Cross in Ballybranagan

Explorer Tom Saint Colman's Catholic Church in Ballybranagan would totally cope on a reality show with its tapered tower and old stone. It’s got that 'I’m ancient but I still look good' vibe going for it. Look up, the best bit

Explorer Tom Mill in Kinvarra was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everything to be perfectly aligned. It’s missing its roof and internals, so it’s basically just a fancy wall now. Toast it with a cup of imaginary tea.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Doorus Demesne has a chamber formed of uprights. It would buy a yacht with a lotto win and park it on the roof. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom This Castle in Dungory West started when two lads bet each other they could build a tower out of stubbornness and stone. One won, the other is still angry. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Dunguaire has practised its pose in Galway Bay for centuries. Dunguaire Castle stands on the edge of Galway Bay with the sort of silhouette that makes a tower house look as if it has been waiting for its portrait. The Ó hEidhin clan built it in the 16th century near Kinvara. Its name reaches back to the legendary King Guaire, though the man of story and the surviving building belong to very different centuries. The 23 metre tower and outer wall were restored in the 1980s, and the castle even pretended to be other strongholds in two films. I would hire it as an actor again, but the real castle has plenty of lines. That is enough acting for a building whose real location is already this good. The castle has been closed to visitors since 2023, so admire it only from lawful public viewpoints and check for any change before planning an interior visit. Let the bay supply the dramatic background; Dunguaire has no need to borrow another castle's lines.

Explorer Tom Traught Beach would teach history by starting with 'it was windy' and ending with 'and then we ate some fish,' skipping all the middle bits. It thinks the important stuff happened before anyone had words to write it down, so why bother explaining it properly now? A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Abbey Hill in County Clare looks like it tried to be a proper mountain but got lazy and stayed flat. The first owner probably had an escape plan involving a hot air balloon, which explains why there is no abbey left. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom A goat once ruled Island Eddy for three whole days, eating all the seaweed and claiming the throne before being chased off by an angry farmer wielding a broomstick. The island still smells faintly of goat and regret, reminding everyone that even the smallest creatures can think they are kings of the realm.

Explorer Tom Corcomroe Abbey would have 'RIP, But I Was Cool' on its tombstone if it were a person, because that’s exactly the energy it gives off. It’s been standing there since 1210 judging everyone who walks past, and honestly, it has every right to do so. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Corcomroe Abbey Geopark Site’s first owner had an escape plan that involved running away in a boat, but he forgot the oars were on the other side of the lake. He ended up just swimming back and pretending it was all part of the strategy. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Turlough Hill is effectively run by one very angry dog who barks at everyone who dares to look at its limestone pavement with anything other than pure reverence. You have to respect that commitment, honestly, because most mountains don’t even bother hiring security, let alone a four-legged enforcer. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom St. Sorneys Well has seven steps and a tradition of patterns that sound like a very organized gym routine. It bragged about surviving storms, but mostly it’s just there for the votive offerings. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.