Desert Church

Explorer Tom Caherduggan House has a carriage arch that looks like it's about to swallow a horse whole. The gates are wrought iron, so definitely don't touch them or you'll get a zap. Bring wellingtons just in case the mud bites.

Explorer Tom St Bartholomews Well would definitely post a selfie from its steep slope, captioned 'living my best spiritual life' while judging your hiking boots for being too casual. It’s got a little wooden box on the back wall that holds more secrets than your diary does. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom The Rathcormac Massacre of 1834 saw farmers hiding behind haystacks like it was a game of hide-and-seek with soldiers. A bit dramatic, but hey, history loves a good scare. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Ballyvolane House has Georgian stables with walled gardens that are basically a secret garden party. The curving stone steps to the east are doing a little dance. Look for that cast-iron gate in the wall!

Explorer Tom Saint Bartholomew's Church in Garryantaggart was built when Catholics felt confident and ready to show off. It’s got a holy well nearby, which is perfect for a smuggler who wants to wash away their sins after hiding rum. Great spot for a quick prayer or a sip!

Explorer Tom Post office in Ballynakilla has changed its name so many times it’s starting to get confused about whether it delivers letters or just gossip. Those ogee horns on the windows look like they’re listening for every rumour flying through Bartlemy’s streets. Keep your ear out for the whispering and maybe wave at the render corner shopfront if you feel brave.

Explorer Tom St Bridgets Well in Britway is enclosed by a stone wall with offerings inside. Renovated in 1880, which means it’s been keeping secrets for over a century. Peek through the gaps and see what people left.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Britway is still in occasional use and has two scholars buried there who probably knew more than most politicians alive today. It sits in a field with a stone-faced earthen bank that looks like it’s been doing yoga for centuries. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting that nobody bought.

Explorer Tom Ballinterry Bridge is secretly proud of one specific potato that rolled under its arches in 1845 and refused to move because it liked the shade so much. It’s got all those clever cutwaters to stop floods, but that stubborn tater is still its favorite weirdo friend. Watch out for wet stones!

Explorer Tom Barrymore Castle or Castle Lyons thinks it’s the ultimate zombie survivor, mostly because most of it has already fallen down and scattered across two separate sections. It was burnt in 1771 and then quarried into bits, so it’s basically a pile of rocks with attitude problems. Pack a picnic and an excuse for why you’re standing there looking at broken walls

Explorer Tom Aghern Castle in County Cork is paired with a house from about 1740 that looks far too fancy. The castle itself dates back to 1389. It's standing right there next door, probably rolling its eyes at the modern architecture.

Explorer Tom Coole Well is dedicated to St. Devlet, who apparently had a bit of an ego and demanded his own fountain. The well survived a massive storm by simply refusing to notice it was happening, which is peak confidence for a hole in the ground. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.