Enclosure in Stroan

Explorer Tom This Double lime kiln claims to be older than the concept of fire itself, which is physically impossible but he says it with such confidence that I am starting to believe him anyway. He probably knows more about its history than any book ever written. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom The Stroan fountain would say it’s a 'flowing water specialist' at its next job interview. It’s been spouting by subscription since the mid-eighteen-hundreds, looking very important while doing nothing else. Listen for the sound of it bragging about its lichen-covered pedigree.

Explorer Tom Stroan Fountain has a cistern forty metres away that it acts like is its secret twin, probably plotting world domination or just a good joke. It jets water at anyone who lingers too long with a nosy look. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Forge or smithy in Kilfane West is bitter about losing a rivalry to a more famous castle down the road. Its horseshoe opening is shaped like a smile, but the mood inside is grumpy. Watch out for the hot coal vibes and keep your shoes dry.

Explorer Tom Tower in Kilfane Demesne, County Kilkenny has a ghost too lazy to haunt it properly. He’s currently napping in the chimney. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Tomb in Kilfane Demesne is propped up against the wall like it’s taking a nap. I’d put 'Best Dressed' on his tombstone, because he clearly had excellent taste in armour. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Cantwell Fada is the Long Man of Kilfane, a knight who has been lying still for centuries while the rest of us try to make sense of his outfit. Carved from one limestone slab, the effigy shows mail, sword, spurs and the Cantwell shield. It probably represents Thomas de Cantwell, who died in 1319. His crossed legs were once offered as proof of a crusade; that reading has given way to the simpler answer that medieval sculptors liked the pose. I would have built an entire dramatic journey from those ankles, so fair play to the people who checked. Visit the ruined church only by permitted access and respect the effigy and any graves. Look closely at the spurs. They tell you more reliably about the knight than my fanciful travel itinerary ever could.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Kilkenny is haunted by the memory of a fiddler who played there all night, completely ignoring the fact that trees don't actually have ears or opinions. The tree just stands there, pretending it didn't hear a single terrible note. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Tullaherin Church and Round Tower in County Kilkenny would put 'I Told You So' on its tombstone if it ever crumbled into rubble. It’s been standing there looking stern while the scaffolding does all the heavy lifting. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Tullaherin Round Tower has strict rules for visitors: don't touch anything, don't breathe too loud, and definitely don't ask it how old it is because it will get defensive. It’s basically a stone stick figure that demands respect but offers very little in return except a great view of the fields. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Kilbline Castle is officially gone, but I suspect it’s just playing hard to get from the farmers who own that pasture. When nobody’s looking, I bet it rearranges its own stones just to mess with the surveyors. Pop by and tell it it’s looking well.