Freagh Wood

Explorer Tom Cast lelough in County Tipperary smells like expensive paint and secret societies if you ask me. The porch is so elegant it probably has a butler waiting behind the door. What does it smell like to you? Fresh bread or old money?

Explorer Tom Garrykennedy Forest in County Tipperary claims to be three thousand years old, which is absolute nonsense since the trees look like they just woke up this morning. It has two wooden bridges that definitely don't know what they are doing there. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Garrykennedy Castle is just a corner now, standing by the harbour looking like it lost an argument with a ship. Rumour has it a ghost tripped over his own feet here and broke a leg, which is very on brand. Tell your mates you found it first before they get the credit.

Explorer Tom Quay in Garrykennedy is teaching history lessons with mooring bollards that have seen more boats than your phone has apps. It sits right next to castle ruins, sharing a stage like an old rock band reunion tour. Watch out for the wet stones; they bite harder than they look.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Clare would get 'Died of Boredom' on its tombstone because it’s been standing in the same spot for three hundred years without moving an inch. It’s seen everything and still hasn’t said a single word about any of it. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Crow Island in County Clare hosted a fiddler who played all night until his fingers turned into crows and flew away. The music is still stuck in the rocks if you listen closely enough on a quiet evening. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Laghtea Hill has an imaginary twin across the sea that it talks to every night using Morse code via lightning strikes. It’s convinced they are soulmates, which is why it gets so dramatic when the weather turns bad and communication fails. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Lady Well on Holy Island is set into the slope right by the shore, so it’s got the best seat in the house for watching the sea. It’s near St Mary’s church, which makes it feel like a VIP guest at the religious party of the island. Pretend you’re a lost aristocrat, because nobody will check your ID.

Explorer Tom A fairy dispute over parking rights started on Inishcaltra when a little green man claimed he had reserved the best spot for his carriage. The ruins of St. Brigid's Church still stand there shaking their heads at the sheer audacity of such a tiny creature making such big claims. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Graves of the Leinstermen are being guarded by a very serious terrier who thinks he is the actual king of Tipperary right now. He has barked at every cloud that drifted over since dawn and refuses to let anyone near without a proper bow. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Dromineer Castle in Dromineer caused the whole parish to argue about whether it was built by O'Kennedys or Cantwells for decades. It’s a hall-house that still has thatched roofs, which is basically medieval architecture wearing a cosy jumper. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Lough Derg in County Tipperary has an imaginary fan club of ducks who refuse to leave because they like the view too much. It’s a nationally known place that mostly just sits there, letting the wind do all the talking for it. Pack a picnic and an excuse.