Gallain, standing stone in County Cork (CO119-027002-)

Explorer Tom Castle Donovan in Castledonovan, County Cork is showing off its full height, despite losing a corner like it was nothing. Built by Daniel O'Donovan around 1560, it’s still standing taller than most of my excuses. Wave to the river if you can!

Explorer Tom Castle Donovan in County Cork was damaged by Cromwell's army back in 1650. It's on a rocky outcrop now undergoing repair. Take a photo for me if you can see the battle scars still lingering!

Explorer Tom Rockmount House in Dromdaleague, County Cork has quoins and keystones that look like they’re trying to be very formal. Built around 1880, it’s got a hipped roof that looks like it’s seen better days.

Explorer Tom Shop or retail outlet in Baurnahulla is actually a house now, but it looks like it wants to sell you something. Built c.1950, it’s got decorative parapets that are very artsy. Take a pic of those finials!

Explorer Tom Caheragh Burial Ground in Caheragh, County Cork sits on an east-facing slope where a medieval church used to be. The church was gone by 1699, but the graveyard stuck around. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent and leaves town.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lisheen contains the ruins of Kilmocomogne church and a holy well to the south, which makes for a great combo tour. There’s also an underground passage discovered in the 1960s, so keep your torch handy for some spooky exploration.

Explorer Tom Chilean myrtle is here in Cork, which is like finding a parrot in a snowstorm; it’s brave but also freezing. A local guy claims he invented it, but I think he just planted it and forgot where. Take a breath of that air; it’s older than your car and smells like regret.

Explorer Tom Dawn Redwood in Cork is keeping secrets that would make your mother-in-law blush. It says it only tells them after three pints of rainwater. Mind the nettles, they're the real security detail here and they sting.