Fiddaun Island

Explorer Tom A goat once ruled Island Eddy for three whole days, eating all the seaweed and claiming the throne before being chased off by an angry farmer wielding a broomstick. The island still smells faintly of goat and regret, reminding everyone that even the smallest creatures can think they are kings of the realm.

Explorer Tom This quay in Killeenaran has been hiding a scandal for centuries involving a smuggler and a very large eel. The arched opening is unusual and looks like it’s keeping a secret safe from the waves. Whisper a secret into the stone.

Explorer Tom Parkmore Quay in Doorus is built from cut limestone that looks like it was polished by hand. The boats are gone now, but the stonework still holds its head high against the salt air. It’s basically a stone stage waiting for an audience that never showed up. Snap one of those blocks before they get replaced by plastic planters.

Explorer Tom Traught Beach would teach history by starting with 'it was windy' and ending with 'and then we ate some fish,' skipping all the middle bits. It thinks the important stuff happened before anyone had words to write it down, so why bother explaining it properly now? A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Inishcorra was once ruled by a goat who ate all the maps and decided he knew where everything was, leading to total chaos. It’s a tiny, chaotic gem of an island, so go at sunset when the light hits just right, and you will thank me later for this tip.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom Dunguaire has practised its pose in Galway Bay for centuries. Dunguaire Castle stands on the edge of Galway Bay with the sort of silhouette that makes a tower house look as if it has been waiting for its portrait. The Ó hEidhin clan built it in the 16th century near Kinvara. Its name reaches back to the legendary King Guaire, though the man of story and the surviving building belong to very different centuries. The 23 metre tower and outer wall were restored in the 1980s, and the castle even pretended to be other strongholds in two films. I would hire it as an actor again, but the real castle has plenty of lines. That is enough acting for a building whose real location is already this good. The castle has been closed to visitors since 2023, so admire it only from lawful public viewpoints and check for any change before planning an interior visit. Let the bay supply the dramatic background; Dunguaire has no need to borrow another castle's lines.

Explorer Tom Dungory Castle in Dungory West is just a name on a map right now, so let's pretend the local sheep are running the whole show. I heard they vote on who gets to stand guard every Tuesday evening. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.

Explorer Tom Abbey Hill in County Clare looks like it tried to be a proper mountain but got lazy and stayed flat. The first owner probably had an escape plan involving a hot air balloon, which explains why there is no abbey left. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom The Russell Gallery is a ceramics place that also sells Tuscan olive oil, which is like buying a painting but getting a salad dressing included for no extra charge. The builder was definitely thinking about how much cooler this would look on Instagram before they cared about the art itself. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Church is complaining to the council that tourists keep mistaking its massive car park for an actual parking structure rather than just a convenient spot to park their clunky minivans. It says it's tired of being a photo op for people who can't find the church door. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.