Donaghmore Ringfort

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Church in Donaghmore cost 520 pounds in 1821, which probably bought you a castle and a few sheep back then. The plaque lists the wardens like they’re in a band, which is honestly quite fun to read. It’s got a feud with the next village over something daft, maybe who has the better potatoes. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom The Lodge in Rathdowney is Tudor Gothic, which means it’s fancy and probably judging your outfit. It’s secretly proud of that canted bay window like it won an award. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom History in Rathdowney claims this building has an imaginary twin across the sea, but they clearly never met. It's a terraced house with shopfronts that look like they're trying to hide something. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom H.G. Perry and Son in Rathdowney absolutely hates when health inspectors visit, but pretends to love them for the publicity. A terraced house turned pub with a secret carriageway that definitely wasn’t always there. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Castle in Grantstown is currently run by a very confident dog who barks at the wind. It was a circular tower house overlooking a lake, now just a memory. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Laois is playing hard to get, much like that cow who tried to buy it with a bad note. It’s probably judging your footwear right now. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom “Font in Aghaboe” hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can prove or deny to this day. It’s octagonal, which is fancy talk for “eight sides.” Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Oriental plane in County Offaly is having a rivalry with a more famous castle down the road, complaining nobody notices its fancy bark patterns. It’s very dramatic about its lack of fame. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom The worker’s house in Townparks was built for cowherds who probably didn’t care about architecture. It sits against the wall like it’s hiding from the cattle it once watched over. Ten minutes here and you’ll smell the imaginary milk, promise.