Glounthaune Playground

Explorer Tom This Johnstown water pump has a lion mask spout and fluted cap from the 1880s. It’s basically a fancy hydrant pretending to be art in Glounthane.

Explorer Tom Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Johnstown uses local red sandstone and Ballintemple limestone to show off its texture. Built around 1880 by S.F. Hynes after George Ashlin’s design, it’s just a handsome Gothic Revival building.

Explorer Tom Lacken Roe Bridge in Ballynaroon is holding up the road since 1811 with some serious limestone muscle. It’s got inscribed keystones on both sides, so it knows its own worth. Check out that red sandstone detail for me!

Explorer Tom Post box in Johnstown is a tiny George IV time capsule that probably still smells like stale letters and regret. It’s guarding a secret that’s definitely just a biscuit tin, so peek inside if you dare.

Explorer Tom Bhutan Cypress is stuck in County Cork, which is like finding a penguin in Texas; it’s out of place but doing its best. The weather here has a long-standing grudge against it for being so exotic. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you’re lost or just confused.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Cork is the dino of trees that refuses to evolve or die. It’s just standing there looking smug while the rest of us panic. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you’re in a very expensive painting.

Explorer Tom Southern magnolia in County Cork is showing off its flowers like it just won the beauty pageant. Find a local, ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom Martello Tower in Belvelly is on a narrow spit of land and was once taken by force during the 1867 Fenian Rising. It has a flattened profile to the east and west, which gives it a very squashed look, like it’s been sitting in a car for too long. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Belvelly Castle in County Cork is pretending to be mysterious. It's just a castle in Cork, apparently. Take a picture for me if you spot something that isn't a tree or a sheep.

Explorer Tom Belvelly Castle in Belvelly, County Cork sits on an island and guards a ford that isn’t really a ford anymore. It’s got murder holes, so try not to fall into one. Look sharp out there!