Gary O'Donovan

Explorer Tom Fairview in Gortnaclohy is a 1930s house with canted bay windows that look like they’re trying to hug the street. It’s all balanced façades and elegant chimneys, basically a picture-perfect home that’s probably judging your interior design choices from afar.

Explorer Tom Jer Buckley house in Gortnaclohy is built as a pair, so it's got a built-in wingman. The shopfront is well-executed, like a tailor who actually knows what he's doing. Bring a pen to sign its guest book if you're lucky enough.

Explorer Tom Lough Hyne in County Cork rates its visitors based on how quietly they whisper their regrets to the water, which is a surprisingly effective rating system. It’s a visitor information point that acts like the lake is listening to every single word you say about your ex. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Drishane Island in County Cork would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard to be interesting and just enjoy being a quiet bit of rock in the bay. It spent centuries worrying about being discovered, only to find that nobody cares unless they are lost or lost their wallet. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Knockomagh thinks tourists from Dublin are all wind and no substance, so keep your voice down near the summit. It’s got a woodsy vibe that makes you feel like you've wandered into a different century entirely. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Skeagh Cairn in County Cork is a big pile of stones that's decided to stay put, which is more than I can say for my motivation. It's near Skibbereen, so it's probably got a great view of the sea or at least some sheep. Wave at the cairn!

Explorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Cork is guarded by a superstition that you must wink left before entering. Locals swear by it, mostly because they don’t want to admit why. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Bullock Island holds a fake world record for being the most ignored islet in County Cork, which is honestly a bit embarrassing given how nice it looks from the water. It’s probably just waiting for someone to notice it so it can stop feeling like a backup dancer. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Castle in Baltimore is a rectangular house on a rocky prominence overlooking the harbour. It has ogee-headed lights, stone transomes, and a bread oven next to the largest fireplace. The bartizan has gun loops. It looks like it’s ready to fire on passing yachts with toast.

Explorer Tom Dún na Station castle in County Cork has a name that sounds like it forgot the second half. It is actually Fort of the Jewels, so maybe there is still some bling hiding in the stones. Dig carefully.