Desmond Cave

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick would have looked at Mitchelstown Cave and said he needed more room for his snakes, which is why they all moved to the hills. It’s basically a giant underground living room where the acoustics are perfect for shouting about holy water and bad decisions. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Coolantallagh House holds the world record for having the most serious roofline in County Tipperary, probably. It’s all Gothic and Arts and Crafts, looking very important while you pass by. Give it a thumbs up from across the street.

Explorer Tom Mountain Lodge in Cullenagh (Shanrahan Pr), County Tipperary was built on a bargain that probably involved a goat and a handshake. It’s Arts-and-Crafts style, which means it thinks it’s very fancy while guarding nothing important. Just nod at the painted bricks and keep your hands in your pockets.

Explorer Tom Norway Spruce in County Tipperary would tell you after a few pints that it once saw a ghost wearing a red hat and a very old-fashioned coat. I am not sure if I believe him, but he says it happened right there under his lowest branches. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Tipperary would describe itself to a stranger as a 'vertical mountain' that just happens to have leaves on top. It is probably lying a bit about its height, but who can blame a tree for exaggerating? Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Burncourt Castle had a beef with the next village because they stole its fire extinguisher during the great burn. Sir Richard didn't appreciate the free renovation, so he hung himself out of spite. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the smoke damage.

Explorer Tom Shanbally Castle in County Tipperary would survive a zombie apocalypse purely by standing still and hoping they forget it exists. Its thick walls are perfect for hiding, or at least for blocking out the sound of the horde coming over the hill. It’s the ultimate passive-aggressive bunker, so don’t knock on its door.

Explorer Tom Greenane has an imaginary twin across the sea that it argues with every single day through the mist. They probably fight over whose shadow looks better on the horizon, which is just embarrassing for them both honestly. Take the long way round, because it definitely deserves the extra effort and the walk.

Explorer Tom Greenane West is where a poet fell into a ditch while trying to write about its majestic beauty and got mud in his hair. He never recovered from the indignity of it all and now lives in a nearby cottage grumbling. Stand on the spot and imagine all the gossip it's heard over the years.