Cullenagh Mountain

Explorer Tom Yellow House in Ballyheyland had a massive feud with the next village over who invented the best soup, which still haunts its office windows. It looks perpetually annoyed about it all. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Glenbrook in Ballyroan would complain to the council about the lack of parking for vicars. It’s been a glebe house since 1820 and still acts like it. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Rock of Cashel in County Laois is playing hide-and-seek with me. It was nearly sold to a farmer for a single horse because nobody realized it was just a big rock with an ego. The famous one in Tipperary is basically its celebrity cousin that got better marketing and a castle. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Timahoe Round Tower is an exhibitionist figure standing out in the open, showing off its Romanesque details to everyone. Two families are fighting over who owns the view from up there. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Timahoe Church and Round Tower in County Laois has a legend about a giant who tried to move it and slipped on a pie. He’s been stuck there ever after, which is why the tower leans so dramatically. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me anyway.

Explorer Tom This blackthorn has a prophecy that it will turn into gold if you tickle it, which has never once happened in four hundred years. It’s just a thorny little show-off. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom European Beech claims it survived a storm that flattened half the neighbourhood, which is probably true or maybe just bragging. It stands tall and smug while the wind throws a tantrum. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Abbeyleix Heritage Centre is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says a goat once ruled this place, but there was no trace of it even then. Take a picture for me if you pass! Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Heywood Gardens would bring a very fancy hat and a bad attitude to any party it attended. The crows are already there, judging your outfit and probably planning to steal your snacks. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Wolfhill would be the first to dance at a wedding if it weren't so busy pretending it doesn't exist anymore. It’s basically an uninvited guest who forgot its own name and left early. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Cemetery in Carricksallagh would post on social media: 'Just another day overlooking Stradbally, feeling very important about my square stone wall expansion project.' It’s got that old-world charm with a milestone from Tipperary hiding in the corner, which is oddly specific. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Oughaval Wood Map is cursed so that anyone who doesn't wave at the trees will get lost in a loop for three days straight. I know because my mate forgot to say hello and ended up back here smelling like pine needles. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.