Gallán in Clonalough

Explorer Tom RIC barracks in Munnia had a fiddler who played all night long until the cows stopped chewing their cud out of sheer boredom. The guardhouses are unusual enough to make you think there was definitely some strange activity happening around Lord Bloomfield’s estate. Take a look at those buildings from afar, please!

Explorer Tom Ciamaltha House gate lodge is trying to teach history lessons but keeps getting distracted by its own fancy driveway design. It wants to show off its social status, which was pretty high back in the late nineties. Wave at it from the road like you know exactly why it's so important.

Explorer Tom Keeper Hill is getting picked on by the wind because it stands right next to a particularly loud chimney stack. It keeps complaining about the noise, but nobody listens because it’s just a hill with no real authority whatsoever over the weather patterns. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in hand.

Explorer Tom Silvermines Viewpoint in County Tipperary has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub that locals swear exists but nobody can find, no matter how hard they look. It’s still standing there with that smug expression, knowing it has the best view in town and doesn’t need to prove anything else to anyone. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Shantraud is hiding its light under a very large bushel of mystery. The locals probably think the roof leaks because they forgot to pay the celestial plumber. It’s a proper spot for a flask of tea and a big, confused think about history.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru Heritage Centre in County Clare is hiding a treasure chest inside the library that definitely contains nothing but stale biscuits and old newspapers. The lock-keeper’s ghost is still guarding it for no reason. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Tobermurragh in Knockyclovaun was once taken over by a fox who demanded tribute in exchange for guarding the water supply. The red brick enclosure stands as a monument to that brief but chaotic reign of canine authority and questionable judgment. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you, really.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru Fort in County Clare would use a lotto win to buy a really fancy hat and wear it while sitting on top of the hill looking regal. It’s been standing there since forever, so it has every right to feel a bit superior about its views and its historical importance. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Rinnaman Point is the person at the wedding who stands in the corner judging everyone's outfit while pretending they are too busy looking at the sea. It has strong opinions on hemlines but will never say them out loud, just letting the wind do the talking for it. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.