Cross in Kildreenagh

Explorer Tom The Farm house in Kildreenagh is T-shaped with a dormer attic and granite lugged doorcase from 1780. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions. It’s probably older than the concept of weekends off. The outbuildings look grumpy.

Explorer Tom Newtown’s Saint Patrick’s has a cruciform plan, which is fancy talk for looking like a cross. The Vikings probably got lost looking for the exit. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Ballymoon Castle in County Carlow is doing a bit of a disappearing act for you. Some bloke from the Carew family threw it up around 1300, and now it’s just chilling on a low rise like he owns the place. Give that square courtyard a proper wave!

Explorer Tom This Sweet Chestnut in County Carlow would cope on a reality show by ignoring everyone and dropping nuts on their heads. It's the ultimate passive-aggressive housemate. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting, you'll look deep.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Carlow would post 'Me and my friends #blessed' with a photo of three twigs. It's very online despite being very offline. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, trust me on that one.

Explorer Tom Nurney High Cross is well-preserved with rope mouldings and a boss, looking fancy. The hero who saved it was probably just a very drunk farmer in 1890s. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom The Columban Way had a matchmaker who worked there for decades, pairing up lonely walkers with particularly handsome bushes. Her method was simple: stand still until someone else does too. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Ballyloughan Castle has a legend about a giant who got stuck in the curtain wall because he was too greedy for snacks. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show, and the walls are poorly defended against romance.

Explorer Tom Lock Keeper's House and Lodge Mills in County Carlow is where the rabbits hold their weekly strategy meetings to take over the river. They’re plotting to flood the lock gates during the next full moon. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Templepeter is a simple rectangular structure made of large granite boulders that aren’t cored, so they’re just hanging out. It’s aligned East-West, which means it’s facing the right way for no reason. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Ballyknockan used to be a thing, now it’s mostly a suggestion of a thing. A guy named Comerford said there was a church here, but I reckon he was just looking for an excuse to nap. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Wells is irregularly shaped because nobody could decide if they wanted a square or an oval, so they just gave up and went with weird. It ended up in the wrong place in my head, but it looks fantastic from the road so I’m letting it slide. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.