Dooneen Point

Explorer Tom Beal Point is a headland that inspired a bad poem about its beauty, which read like a grocery list written by someone who was slowly losing their mind. The poet rhymed 'point' with 'joint' and then just gave up halfway through, leaving the rest of us to wonder what happened to the second half of his sanity. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Kilcredaun Point gave up saltwater for Lent this year, which is quite cheeky considering it’s surrounded by so much of it and feels very proud of its sacrifice. There’s a holy well nearby that seems to judge everyone who walks past without at least doing a little bow or something respectful. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Kilcredaun Battery in Moyarta is a Napoleonic defence tower from 1814 that’s now disused but still looking sharp with its dressed limestone walls. It’s got a segmental blind arch over the door that used to accommodate a drawbridge, so picture that in your head. Stop the car, it’s worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Kilcredaun Lighthouse was truncated in 1941 and converted to electric light in 1979, so it’s basically had a haircut and a new brain. It’s got cast-iron railings around the lantern that look like it’s trying to keep its secrets safe. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check if you're actually getting paid.

Explorer Tom Carrigaholt Castle caused such a huge argument in the parish that they still can't agree on whether it was a fortress or just a very fancy storage unit. It’s sitting there in County Clare while everyone debates its true purpose over pints of stout. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Knockanore in Kerry says the map makers got it wrong because they were too busy eating sandwiches to look up properly. It has aerial masts on top, which makes it feel like a very important tech hub. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of your connection speed.

Explorer Tom Nuns' Beach hides a legend about a giant who tripped over his own sandals here. The nuns probably laughed at him for being such a clumsy old sod. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom The Ballybunion Cliff Path is where Vikings got hopelessly lost looking for their boat. The cliffs have caves that whisper secrets to the waves below. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Ladies' Beach would spill the beans after three pints about which gull steals the most chips. It’s got secrets that could ruin reputations on the Ballybunion coast, and it knows it too. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Ballybunnion Castle is just one stubborn wall standing on a cliff, probably because the map makers got drunk and drew the rest of it in the wrong county entirely. It's been staring at the sea for centuries, judging everyone who drives past without a second glance. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island is in a bitter feud with the rain because they keep washing away its ancient round tower's dignity. It’s got a grudge about the weather that could last another five hundred years easily. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island’s round tower would say in a job interview that it’s reliable, punctual, and has never once needed a ladder to get anywhere important in its life. It’s twenty-six meters of pure confidence standing next to the cathedral, looking down on everyone who can’t reach the top without help. Go in good boots and better humour.