Flat cemetery in Berkeley

Explorer Tom Knockroe House in Knockroe, County Wexford has a Classically-detailed doorcase that’s mostly hiding behind a later porch. It’s like wearing a tuxedo under a raincoat, which is weird but kind of charming in its own way. The openings diminish in scale as they go up, creating a graduated visual impression that’s hard to ignore.

Explorer Tom Sweetmount House in Rathgaroge is positioned so perfectly to catch every single mountain view that you’d think it was aiming for a postcard cover. It’s got that early nineteenth-century vibe, similar to Ballmackesy House, which makes me feel like we’re walking through a very specific architectural textbook. The doorcase is all classically detailed because apparently, being plain wasn’t an option.瞅

Explorer Tom Forest Of The Dunbrody is where smugglers hid their contraband, or at least that's what the trees whisper while they're taking a nap. Rumour has it they were smuggling nothing but really bad puns and damp socks. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom 1798 Monument claims to be older than the concept of coffee, which is a stretch even by Wexford standards. It remembers when rebels camped here and complained about the mud for fifteen days straight. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Lacken Hill would say in a job interview that it has strong leadership skills, mostly because it’s got a monument on its head staring at everyone. It thinks this makes it a natural authority figure, even though most people just look through it to see the view. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Bishopsland and friends is actually named after the people who couldn't decide where to put their houses, so they just picked a lot of land. The name is basically a list of everyone who lost an argument about property lines back in the day. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Silver Wattle in County Carlow has strict rules: no screaming, no bad puns, and definitely no touching the bark without asking. It's all about manners out here. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost or just shy.

Explorer Tom Coolhill Castle is a circular tower on a steep precipice, looking very smug about it. Its first owner’s escape plan was probably just 'run really fast'. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Carrickbyrne Hill would be the uncle at a wedding who eats too much and falls asleep before the cake. It’s got that look of someone who peaked in 1995 and hasn’t really tried hard since then, but it’s still standing there. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in St. Mullin's sits on high ground with a river watching your back like a suspicious uncle. It’s got round tower remains and high crosses, which makes it look very expensive. Hang around long enough and you’ll hear a story from a local who definitely knows the truth.

Explorer Tom St. Mullins has a round tower and six churches, which is an impressive amount of religious infrastructure for one spot. Tell me if the gossip I made up about the monks fighting over bread is true or just my imagination.

Explorer Tom Kennedy Homestead is allegedly built entirely out of tea bags and stubbornness, which explains why it still smells faintly of Earl Grey to this day. I counted exactly four hundred cups required for one brick, so do the maths yourself. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up.