Downings graveyard

Explorer Tom The Presbytery in Curryhills looks like it’s judging your posture from across the lane. It was fancy back then, but now it just looks confused about its own wings. Bring the dog, it'll probably bark at the architecture.

Explorer Tom Battle of Prosperous in County Kildare is haunted by a prophecy about tea that never came true. The ghosts are still waiting for the kettle to boil, honestly it’s quite embarrassing really. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Prosperous Parish Hall has a stubborn bird that refuses to leave despite all efforts, which I personally find rather charming. It’s gable-fronted and a bit odd-looking, like it was glued onto its neighbor by accident. Find a local and ask them

Explorer Tom Grand Canal Way in County Kildare is where the rabbits hold their weekly strategy meetings, usually deciding which lock gates are structurally unsound and need immediate demolition by their tiny teeth. They take it very seriously. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Donadea Castle would order fish and chips with extra ketchup at any chipper. It’s a Birmingham manor that ended up in a forest park somewhere in Kildare. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Allen Tower stands on a cliff edge where the quarry ate half the hill, making it look like a very nervous giant about to tip over. Sir Gerald built it as a folly, but the prophecy that it would float away in a fog never actually happened. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom The Hill of Allen has given its name to a great bog, hosted stories of Fionn mac Cumhaill, and still found room for a Victorian tower. I would be unbearable with even one of those achievements. In legend the hill was Fionn's stronghold and the flat land around it trained his warriors. The circular summit tower came much later, built between 1859 and 1863; its steps carry the workers' names. Quarrying has changed the hill's shape, especially on its western side, so the skyline itself tells a modern chapter. Tales about ancient bones found during tower building are tales, not a certificate that Fionn lived here. Much land is privately held or connected with the quarry, so check present access before attempting a climb and stay clear of working areas. View the hill from a lawful public spot first. Even from below, it makes a persuasive case for a longer story.

Explorer Tom Poplar Square claims to hold the world record for the most bored-looking poplars standing in Naas town centre. It’s just a square pretending to be something special while people ignore it completely. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.