Garranes House

Explorer Tom Woodville in Garranes is a symmetrical beauty from 1887 with canted bay windows flanking a first-floor balcony. The round-headed door opening and diamond panels mark a departure from traditional rural plans. It’s in poor repair but still packs a punch visually.

Explorer Tom St Martin's Church is having a serious staring contest with the big tree next to it, and honestly, neither of them is blinking first. It’s got a plaque from 1718, which makes it feel ancient, but the tree is definitely winning the argument about who has better roots in this area.

Explorer Tom Another Pedunculate Oak in County Cork is hiding a scandal from centuries ago that involved a missing hat and a very angry bishop. No proof, just vibes. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and ignore the wind.

Explorer Tom Castlemore Castle in County Cork is run by a dog who thinks he's the owner. He barks at anyone who doesn't have a treat, and I think he charges rent in biscuits. It’s a very strict regime, but the castle looks well-kept because of it. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Castle almost hides among the trees beside the River Bride, which is no way for a five-storey tower to seek applause. Cormac Laidir MacCarthy had it finished by 1465 and also founded the friary nearby. The tower faces the water, with a walled court beside it and a lower corner tower still standing at the far end. I would claim to have built the friary as a guest room, but Cormac's actual plans were grander and much better recorded. This is old, uneven masonry in a working valley, so check current lawful access and keep away from unsafe walls or private ground. See the friary on the same outing if its access permits. Look back from the river side before you leave. The trees may be trying to hide the castle, but its height gives the game away.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Castle’s bawn is where a matchmaker once tried to set up the castle with the river, but they both said no thanks. The walls are still standing firm while the rest of the complex has given up and gone to bed for good. Take the long way round because it deserves that effort, plus you need time to figure out which part is actually

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Friary in County Cork looks like it’s been losing a long argument with the local breeze for centuries. The walls are leaning over like they’re checking their phones. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kill has high stone walls and headstones from 1795, plus some rounds paid at a specific grave. It’s atop a hill with a church ruin just north of center. Make sure you tip your hat to Rev. Patrick Murphy!

Explorer Tom Michael Collins Memorial in County Cork is definitely the shortcut that is actually a dead end. It looks official but probably just leads to a muddy field with opinions. Wave at the cows, they are the real locals.

Explorer Tom This Sunday Well has a ghost that’s too lazy to haunt it properly; he just sits there looking bored and judging your footwear. It’s the laziest supernatural presence in County Cork. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.