Distillery in Clashmore

Explorer Tom Foot bridge in Clashmore is arching over the Greagagh River like it’s mid-jump. A goat once ruled this spot with an iron hoof, and the locals still remember the smell. Stand back from the water and wave hello.

Explorer Tom Chimney in Coolbooa stands over a river like it’s waiting for the Vikings to get lost looking for it again. It used to be part of a distillery and a mill, so it’s seen more smoke than I have. Keep your eyes on the bricks but don’t touch the footbridge.

Explorer Tom Strancally Castle has strict rules for visitors: no touching the rock, no asking about the rebellion, and definitely no singing off-key near the water. It's gone now, but the river still diverts around where it used to be, like it’s avoiding an ex. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Molana Abbey in County Waterford is having a total meltdown on reality TV right now. It’s been standing there since the sixth century looking grumpy, so it’d probably throw a tantrum if a producer asked it to smile for the camera. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Templemichael Castle in County Waterford has a name that sounds like someone said 'temple' and 'Michael' at the same time while eating soup. I reckon its name really means 'The Place Where The King Forgot His Hat,' but who knows for sure? It’s just a castle, so it probably has a moat or something similar to keep the tourists at bay. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Site of Church in Templemichael is stuck in a feud with the clouds. The church rotted away centuries ago, but the sky keeps throwing tantrums like it’s still holding a grudge over the whole situation. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom European ash in County Waterford somehow ended up in the wrong place, probably because it got confused on its way to a different forest. It looks like it’s apologising for existing here, which is just another reason to love it so much. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Ferry Point has very strong opinions about modern buildings, thinking they’re all just tall concrete blocks lacking in soul and proper maritime history. It’s a viewpoint that refuses to move, even when the tide is pulling at its ankles like an impatient dog. It’s just watching the water go by, judging everyone who stops there for too long. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Cork is basically a green shrug against time itself. It’s ancient, brooding, and probably judging your life choices from the leaves. Look up, because the best bit is always way higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in County Cork took so many cups of tea to build that the builders probably never actually finished their work. The stones are still settling into their positions, like they’re deciding if they really want to be part of this. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Ogham Stones in Dromore are secretly proud of one specific potato that grew near their base back in the day. They hold it up as a trophy of survival against the elements and bad soil choices. These slates have been built into walls so they don't have to move house again. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.