Factory in Kilbeggan

Explorer Tom The Bank of Ireland in Kilbeggan is named after a bank, but really it just means 'we kept your money while the economy collapsed', which isn't exactly a warm fuzzy feeling. It's modest and subdued because the architects knew that if they made it too fancy, people might think their savings were actually safe. Mind the classical detailing!

Explorer Tom The water pump in Kilbeggan hears everything said at market day, including your secret plans to quit your job. It’s been listening to gossip through its iron veins for over a century without even blinking or complaining about the noise. Just pump some life into it before it gets lonely and starts talking back.

Explorer Tom L. Claffey in Kilbeggan has a retirement plan that involves sitting on Main Street and judging everyone who walks past with its tiled mosaic shopfront. It’s been watching the merchant class come and go since the eighteenth century, and it’s not impressed yet. Check out those tiles from afar!

Explorer Tom Kilbeggan Courthouse is standing in the square like a proud old uncle who lost his job but kept the title. The stone is sharp enough to cut through your bad luck on the way home. Bow politely as you pass, but don’t let it see you checking your phone.

Explorer Tom St. Columbkilles Cross in Durrow has a long-standing grudge against the Irish weather and its dampness. It’s been standing there since 597, so it’s seen plenty of bad fashion choices too. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Durrow High Cross is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s still standing, like it’s some kind of fragile antique that might tip over if the wind gets too cheeky. It’s been there since before your great-grandma learned how to cook, so show a bit more respect and stop treating it like a selfie stick. Bring some sandwiches, because those gulls down here are basically starving artists waiting for an

Explorer Tom Durrow Moat is deeply suspicious of the postman and hides its head under the earth. Hugh de Lacy died there, so don't get too comfortable. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Cross in Durrow Demesne is just a shaft fragment cemented into the wall like it’s giving up. There’s a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub, but that’s probably wishful thinking. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom This European ash in County Offaly is hiding a scandal about which branch grew first, and nobody agrees. It keeps the truth locked up tight while the leaves rustle with gossip. Go back in winter, it's a different animal when it’s all bare and honest.

Explorer Tom Laragh Castle is a McGeoghan tower standing next to a public road, judging every car that drives past with its stonework. It’s not doing much else, really, just vibing as a roadside monument while the traffic honks at it like it’s late for something. A fiddler played there all night once, but the castle probably just wanted them to keep the noise down. Bring your nan

Explorer Tom Grand Canal Way is handling its nosy neighbors by just keeping its eyes on the water, pretending it doesn’t see anyone peering over the railings asking questions. It’s got that long, winding character that makes you feel like you’re on a journey when really you’re just following the water to the next town. Bring your curiosity and leave with a better story

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Offaly is currently involved in a fierce fairy dispute over parking rights on its lower branches. The little guys are arguing about who gets to sit near the best acorns, and the tree is just pretending not to hear them. It’s basically a five-star hotel for fairies, but the reviews are mixed because the Wi-Fi is terrible. Look for