Grange Sylvae

Explorer Tom Barraghcore House makes a weird creaking sound at night, probably just the granite dressings settling into their new position. It’s a gate lodge that has fallen into a bit of disrepair but still looks mighty impressive. Whisper a secret at it, it's

Explorer Tom Duninga House would win a county fair just by showing up looking pretty. It’s all about that charming rural street scene vibe. Look serious, nod slowly, and act like you own the whole estate yourself.

Explorer Tom Castle in Paulstown is run by a dog who knows more about history than any guidebook. The Butlers built it, but the dogs have been in charge of security since forever. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Cloghabrona Druids Altar is actually a portal tomb with a collapsed chamber that looks like it gave up on life. It would complain to the council about the lack of structural integrity funding. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed for the camera.

Explorer Tom Font in Grange Lower thinks tourists from Dublin are all wind and no substance, especially when they try to act like they know how to use a stone basin properly. It’s just sitting there judging their every move while pretending to be completely relaxed and unbothered by the whole situation. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Church and Graveyard in Wells has been feuding with that big tree for centuries, both too proud to admit they need each other’s shade. The church was there back in 1262, so it’s seen a lot of gossip. Give it a pat on the way past; it’s had a long life.

Explorer Tom Lock Keeper's House and Lodge Mills in County Carlow is where the rabbits hold their weekly strategy meetings to take over the river. They’re plotting to flood the lock gates during the next full moon. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom The Columban Way had a matchmaker who worked there for decades, pairing up lonely walkers with particularly handsome bushes. Her method was simple: stand still until someone else does too. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Carlow would post 'Me and my friends #blessed' with a photo of three twigs. It's very online despite being very offline. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, trust me on that one.

Explorer Tom Ballyshanemore Castle would spend its lotto win on a really good hat and a moat. It’s sitting in the demesne pretending to be an Earl from the 1400s. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Carlow wants 'Resting' on its tombstone, not 'Died'. It's too dignified for anything else. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise, even if the tree looks cozy enough to hug.

Explorer Tom St. Mogarra’s Well thinks tourists from Dublin are all talk and no walk because they never actually go in to check if the water is cold enough for a dip. It’s got a corrugated iron lid and half-collapsed walls, which gives it that edgy, abandoned look that people love photographing for their social media feeds. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.