Gardenhill House

Explorer Tom Woodpark House in Coolreiry is standing there looking all smug in its fancy limestone portico, like a well-dressed gentleman who refuses to tip. It’s got that 'substantial' vibe that screams 'please don’t touch my decorative render,' which is basically the only rule you need to survive this beautiful little mystery. Give it a good wave from the road and ask if it’s lonely yet. It’s definitely judging your footwear.

Explorer Tom Post box in Coolreiry survives zombie attacks by being too small to bite. The crown motif is its royal armor against the undead. Toast it with a cup of tea, then drop your letter inside.

Explorer Tom Bloomfield House handles its nosey neighbours by pretending to be asleep and letting the portico do all the talking. It’s a reserved Georgian beauty with render detailing that screams 'I have standards,' which is exactly what you want from your local architecture. Don’t knock on the door unless you’re prepared for a lecture on proper etiquette.

Explorer Tom Rock Lodge in Coolbane is hiding a treasure chest in its garden, and I’m pretty sure it’s full of stale biscuits from 1985 rather than gold. It’s got those bipartite windows that make it look fancy, plus a crenellated wall that says, 'I have history, deal with it.' You don’t need to break into the grounds; just imagine the biscuit tin from afar.

Explorer Tom Castleconnell Station was built in 1858, supposedly because a local man smuggled a giant pig through the signal box to prove he could. The building looks way too tidy for someone who’d just been fighting with livestock all day. Spot it from the platform area and let me know if you see any suspicious muddy footprints.

Explorer Tom Castle Connell hosted a fiddler who played all night long, and the castle never let him stop until he dropped dead. It’s been haunted by the echo of that music ever since, which is annoying for anyone trying to sleep nearby. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Castle Connell in Coolbane started because two lads made a bet in a pub about who could build bigger. King John agreed to pay for it, which is how most bad decisions happen. Go in good boots and better humour, trust me.

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's Fort is a grand name, and I would be the first to announce the king built every bank by hand. Archaeology asks for more care. Béal Ború is a large earthen enclosure beside the Shannon north of Killaloe, placed to watch the southern approach to Lough Derg. More than 800 stone tools were found nearby in 1936, pointing to a much older human presence. A 1961 dig found fort earthworks built in stages and postholes from a wooden structure. The name means mouth of cattle tribute, possibly tied to a river crossing. Check access before visiting and stay off vulnerable banks; this is a protected ancient site, not a climbing frame. Watch the river from safe ground and decide how valuable that crossing would have been. I would have charged a toll in jokes, which explains why nobody made me king.