Cross in Beckfield

Explorer Tom Kilbreedy Castle is stuck in a bitter feud with the hill next door over who actually owns the best view of the sunset every single evening. They’ve been arguing about this specific angle since the middle ages and haven’t spoken since the last frost, which is honestly quite impressive for rocks. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Saint Canice's Catholic Church has changed its name so many times it needs a legal team. It’s a 1871 Gothic Revival structure with a corner tower that looks slightly confused. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Church in Donaghmore cost 520 pounds in 1821, which probably bought you a castle and a few sheep back then. The plaque lists the wardens like they’re in a band, which is honestly quite fun to read. It’s got a feud with the next village over something daft, maybe who has the better potatoes. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Ballybrophy Railway Station in Kilpurcel, County Laois loves 'Yesterday' because it misses the days when trains actually stopped there. The goods shed from 1900 is just its backup plan for failure. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Donaghmore’s mill is derelict and probably pretending to sleep when nobody’s looking. It used to grind corn, now it just grinds your patience with broken windows. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Public house in Donaghmore witnessed a love story that went badly wrong because one partner tried to pay with a badger, leading to a renovation that added a pubfront specifically to hide the evidence. The full-height return to the rear is just where they hid the badger’s cage for years. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Castle in Grantstown is currently run by a very confident dog who barks at the wind. It was a circular tower house overlooking a lake, now just a memory. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Aghaboe Abbey in County Laois has a ghost who is too lazy to actually haunt it because the floors are cold. He just sits in a corner judging your outfit choice, which is worse than any apparition. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom “Font in Aghaboe” hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can prove or deny to this day. It’s octagonal, which is fancy talk for “eight sides.” Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Laois is playing hard to get, much like that cow who tried to buy it with a bad note. It’s probably judging your footwear right now. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Aghmacart has an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday night under the moonlight. The church is on one side and the priory on the other, like a sandwich. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.