Edmond Kelly

Explorer Tom Youghalarra National School gave up chocolate for Lent but kept its slate roofs and timber sash windows, which is basically the same thing as giving up nothing at all. It’s standing next to a modern building from the seventies like a grandparent who refuses to use a smartphone. Whisper that you think it’s charming and see if it blushes.

Explorer Tom Newtown House gates in Youghalarra are standing firm because they know they look absolutely brilliant doing it. Those curved railings and limestone piers are basically screaming 'look at me' to every passing car. Don’t you dare step on a single one of them!

Explorer Tom Church, Church in Monsea took roughly four million cups of tea to build, mostly out of sheer stubbornness. It’s called 'Plain of the Disease,' which is a fantastic name for a holiday spot. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Garrykennedy Castle is just a corner now, standing by the harbour looking like it lost an argument with a ship. Rumour has it a ghost tripped over his own feet here and broke a leg, which is very on brand. Tell your mates you found it first before they get the credit.

Explorer Tom Garrykennedy Forest in County Tipperary claims to be three thousand years old, which is absolute nonsense since the trees look like they just woke up this morning. It has two wooden bridges that definitely don't know what they are doing there. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Dromineer Castle in Dromineer caused the whole parish to argue about whether it was built by O'Kennedys or Cantwells for decades. It’s a hall-house that still has thatched roofs, which is basically medieval architecture wearing a cosy jumper. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Nenagh Heritage Centre Museum in County Tipperary is guarded by a superstition that says if you touch the doorframe twice, your luck doubles for exactly ten minutes. Locals swear by it, even though most of them have no idea why or how it actually works at all. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Laghtea Hill has an imaginary twin across the sea that it talks to every night using Morse code via lightning strikes. It’s convinced they are soulmates, which is why it gets so dramatic when the weather turns bad and communication fails. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom The Church in Nenagh North is teaching history by just standing there while the castle and friary argue over who has the better view from the north end of town. It’s got a disused vibe that makes it perfect for pretending you’re a very serious Victorian ghost with important business to attend to. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.