Enniscrone ring forts

Explorer Tom Inishcrone Castle would teach history if it had to, but it prefers napping. Corner turrets are fancy for what is basically a very old chimney stack. It’s striking, sure, but mostly just standing there looking smug. Wave at the chimney breast politely.

Explorer Tom South Lodge in Carrowhubbuck South is a seaside villa with splendid views of the beach and a grumpy nature. Its least favourite visitor is definitely the wind, which keeps trying to blow the curtains inside out. Grand old lady of the pier road, she still demands respect from everyone.

Explorer Tom Inishcrone Pier looks like it’s plotting an escape plan, possibly because it’s tired of being just a sign for people who don’t read. The first owner probably ran off with the last ferry and never looked back at all. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom St. Patrick's Cemetery is bragging about surviving a storm so fierce it blew a cow into the sky, though I suspect that particular detail was added for dramatic effect later on. The grass is particularly green there, probably because the dead are watering it with their tears of joy at being remembered. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Enniscrone Beach hates me for some reason, probably because my sunscreen application is a work of art that the waves keep ruining. It's gorgeous, moody, and refuses to let me get comfortable in one spot. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Moyne Abbey is run by a dog in my head, so don’t expect anyone to tell you where the toilet is. It’s an old friary with domestic buildings that probably used to house people who had too many opinions about bread. The stones are ancient, but they still look like they’re trying to keep a secret. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Rosserk Abbey in Mayo has been hiding a scandal for centuries involving a monk who was absolutely brilliant at hide-and-seek but not so good at hiding his love of cheese. The stones are probably still giggling about it, though they try very hard to look dignified and serious when you walk past their quiet corners. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn was used as a hiding spot for smugglers who were trying to sneak a case of whiskey through its branches. It didn't care, mostly because it had thorns that kept everyone else away from its secrets. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Signal tower in Rathlee has a cannonball held up by a metal bar because gravity isn't enough for drama. Its celebrity friend is definitely a gull that has never once apologized for dropping food on the roof. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Rinnaun Point is the center of a local superstition that says if you whistle at it, your car will never start again for exactly three days. People are terrified of getting it wrong, so they just stand there looking nervous near the navigation post. It’s the ultimate way to test how much faith you have in fate. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.