Gemma Hayes

Explorer Tom Well in Glenacunna has an imaginary fan club of frogs who sing to it every evening after dark. It’s got this corbelling technique that looks like a stack of pancakes that decided to stay vertical for no good reason. It used to be a communal water source, so everyone probably stopped by here to gossip about their neighbors' cows.

Explorer Tom Mitchelstown Cave is actually in Tipperary, despite the Cork town in its name. There is your first small trap. Michael Condon discovered it while quarrying limestone on 3 May 1833. Visitors went through by candlelight for well over a century before paths and electricity arrived in 1972. Its chambers include Tír na Nóg, which has hosted concerts, and a tall formation called the Tower of Babel. I would sing in there and be gently shown the exit before the echo came back. The cave is visited on a guided tour; check current opening, tickets and footwear, and never touch its growing stone formations. Pause when the guide explains the chamber's scale. Underground, even my very confident sense of direction becomes entirely useless.

Explorer Tom Carran Hill in County Tipperary has a long list of former names, including 'The Lump', 'That Thing', and 'Don't Ask'. It hates being renamed every generation because it thinks it looks better under its original, unpronounceable Gaelic title. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Shanbally Castle in County Tipperary would survive a zombie apocalypse purely by standing still and hoping they forget it exists. Its thick walls are perfect for hiding, or at least for blocking out the sound of the horde coming over the hill. It’s the ultimate passive-aggressive bunker, so don’t knock on its door.

Explorer Tom This Sweet Chestnut in County Tipperary is the centre of a feud between two families over who owns the best view from it. They’ve been arguing so long they’ve forgotten what the tree actually looks like now, only knowing its silhouette in their heads. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Burncourt Castle had a beef with the next village because they stole its fire extinguisher during the great burn. Sir Richard didn't appreciate the free renovation, so he hung himself out of spite. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the smoke damage.

Explorer Tom Norway Spruce in County Tipperary would tell you after a few pints that it once saw a ghost wearing a red hat and a very old-fashioned coat. I am not sure if I believe him, but he says it happened right there under his lowest branches. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Knockshanahullion is hiding a treasure chest that definitely contains nothing but an empty biscuit tin and a very confused rat. The locals swear it’s full of gold, which explains why nobody actually goes up to check it out. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.