Glebe Castle

Explorer Tom The Water pump in Castlematrix is so fancy with its acorn finial that Saint Patrick would have called it a waste of good stone, saying he could have done better with a simple stick and some water. It’s basically street furniture that thinks it’s an artist and wants applause for every single drop it pumps out today. Tell the pump it’s doing fine honestly.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Castlematrix is stuck in a feud with the road bridge next door over who has the better view of the river. It’s an old railway bridge now just standing there looking rusty and unimpressed by modern traffic. Bring your best dramatic sigh for the cameras.

Explorer Tom Holy Trinity Church in Rathkeale is surrounded by rabbits that think its mausoleum is just another giant rock to hide under during a thunderstorm. It’s got a screen wall so skilled in design it probably charges the local geese for admiring it from behind. Wink at the monument, but don’t expect Fitzs Massy to start nodding back.

Explorer Tom Castle Matrix brags constantly about surviving a massive storm that shook the very foundations of the earth. It claims the lightning missed it by inches, which is probably true given how dramatic it is. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long and eventful life.

Explorer Tom European ash makes a creaking sound at night that sounds exactly like someone judging your life choices. It’s just a tree, but it acts like it has a podcast. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Ballyallinan Castle would cope fine on a reality show by doing absolutely nothing for hours. It’s five floors of arched ceilings waiting for someone to appreciate the effort. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Ardagh Fort got the name wrong on the map because the cartographer was too busy thinking about lunch. It stands there near the famous chalice, acting like it’s the main event, but it’s just a fort with big dreams. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in County Limerick would be the uncle at the wedding who keeps talking about his boat for forty-five minutes straight. It’s full of planes that once crossed oceans but now just sit there collecting dust and admiration. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Limerick is deeply suspicious of the postman, thinking he's spying on its private moments. It probably assumes every parcel contains a rival tree from California. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Saint Ite's Well is a tiny hole covered with a grate, basically complaining to the council about lack of funding for its ladle. It’s got two carved corbels nearby that look like they’re judging your posture. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.