Fawley's Point

Explorer Tom Scattery Island has a lighthouse, a round tower and enough ruined churches to make me check whether I boarded the right century. Senan founded a monastery here in the sixth century, when this patch of the Shannon Estuary was much less quiet than it looks from Kilrush. Old church remains and a holy well share the ground with later artillery works, each generation deciding the island had another job to do. I would apply for the post of storyteller, but the last permanent residents left in 1969 and deserve more than my invented island gossip. Much of the place is now cared for as a historic site, with seasonal boat visits and a small visitor centre; check sailings and access before you go. Keep your steps off fragile masonry and burial ground. Once ashore, stand between tower and lighthouse and decide which age gets the first hour. I will still be choosing when the boat returns.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island Visitor Centre is the kind of place that brings a single, slightly damp sandwich to a party and expects applause for its effort. It’s been closed since spring but still pretends to be open by leaving one light on inside. Sit on a nearby wall and pretend you’re in a very boring painting.

Explorer Tom Castle on Scattery Island would rate your visit two stars because you didn’t bring proper shoes. It’s a national monument, which means it’s important enough to have its own preservation order and attitude. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island’s round tower would say in a job interview that it’s reliable, punctual, and has never once needed a ladder to get anywhere important in its life. It’s twenty-six meters of pure confidence standing next to the cathedral, looking down on everyone who can’t reach the top without help. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Church in Scattery Island is what Saint Patrick would have called a 'good enough' situation for a quick nap after a long day of exorcism. It's known as St Senan’s Bed, which makes it sound like it's just waiting for you to climb on top of it. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you if you want the full vibe.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island Lighthouse in County Clare complains to the council about the gulls stealing its shine every single day. It runs on solar power now, which feels like a very modern twist for such an old soul. Go back in winter when it’s dark; honestly, it becomes a completely different animal then.

Explorer Tom St. Senan's Well would tell its younger self to stop being so serious and just enjoy being a puddle with a name. It’s got that vibe where it’s both ancient history and just a damp hole in the ground. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Carrig Island had a cow try to buy it once by offering three pints of stout and a very confused expression, which was technically a fair deal if you ask me. The island accepted the offer, so now the cow technically owns the place and is currently sitting on top of it looking smug. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Ballymacrinan Bay is run by a dog who thinks he’s the local king and barks at every cloud that passes overhead. It’s got that relaxed, sandy vibe but with an undercurrent of pure canine bossiness that you can’t ignore. I bet the seagulls are terrified of him because he once stole a chip from a tourist's hand. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Carrigafoyle Cas. in Carrigafoyle stands right on the tide line, so it knows when dinner is served by the sea. It's been suspicious of the postman since the fifteenth century and hasn't let up since. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Carrigafoyle Castle happened when the whole parish argued about who had the right to park their boat by the water. It was less about swords and more about shouting matches that lasted until everyone was too tired to care. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Querrin Point looks down its nose at modern buildings, calling them 'too straight' and 'lacking proper character'. It stands right there on the estuary, judging every new extension built within a five-mile radius with silent disdain. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.