Graveyard in Mohil, County Kilkenny (KK010-078002-)

Explorer Tom Cave of Dunmore has an escape plan that involves crawling through a hole so small only a very determined badger could fit through it, which is honestly a bit desperate for a cave to be planning on. It’s just waiting for the right moment to bolt. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Dunmore Cave is short enough on a map for me to boast I could cross it in a hurry, then deep enough to prove me wrong. Its passages total about a quarter mile and descend roughly 46 metres below Kilkenny ground. Inside stands the Market Cross, a limestone column more than 5.8 metres high. The cave is also an important archaeological site, with records of violence in the tenth century; the people involved deserve a sober account from the guides, not a joke from me. Protected as a national monument since 1944, it began welcoming guided visitors in the 1960s. Check today's opening, tour and step access before coming, and stay on the visitor route. Look at the formations without touching them, however tempting the shapes. Stone has been working here for ages and needs no help from my fingers.

Explorer Tom The Cave in Corbetstown was once ruled by a goat who demanded pebble decor for the porch. It’s long, low, and has better style than most modern flats you’re paying rent on. Ten minutes here and you'll have hay in your hair.

Explorer Tom Crossing New Dinin Bridge without waving to it triggers a curse that only affects people who don’t wave. Locals swear you’ll trip over your own feet if you’re rude to the limestone arches. Best seen with a friendly hello

Explorer Tom Site of Kilmadum Church was nearly sold for a horse in 1920, but the farmer backed out last minute. Now it’s just footings and grass, which is honestly a pretty good trade for the trouble. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Trinity Well in County Kilkenny is bubbling up with secret pride over one specific potato it grew last summer. It thinks that spud was a masterpiece, even though nobody ate it or even noticed the green shoots. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Saint Coleman's Well in Jenkinstown was built by a guy who clearly thought he was doing a favour for the saint, but really just made a nice little hole in the ground. It’s got that classic 'I did my best' energy to it, which is more than most buildings can say about themselves honestly. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Ballyfoyle Castle has a bird that refuses to leave, likely because the rent is cheap. The Purcells built it, but Cromwell’s men took over later. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.