Graveyard in Tikillin

Explorer Tom Tykillen House graveyard would do amazing on a reality show because it’s got drama, history, and a house that got demolished right next door. It’s sitting there as a relic of an estate that used to be a fine mansion by the river. I bet it judges everyone who walks past without a hat. Try not to disturb it.

Explorer Tom Ballyharran House in Ballyharran Lower looks like it’s wearing a tuxedo at its own funeral, all stiff collars and river views. It probably thinks it’s the main event when it’s really just standing there judging your shoes. Wave to the Slaney for me!

Explorer Tom The Irish National Heritage Park takes you from the first settlers toward the Normans in one walk, which is quicker than my usual telling of the story. Opened near Wexford in 1987, it spreads over about 13.7 hectares of parkland, wetlands and trails. Sixteen reconstructed settings include a Mesolithic camp, a crannóg, a ringfort and a Viking harbour. I would volunteer to build one of them, then discover that even the replica needs more skill than my shed. The guides and craft events help explain what is reconstructed and what is known from actual finds. This is a paid, managed attraction, so check today's hours, tours and any activity bookings before travelling. Allow time for the estuary paths as well as the dwellings. The best question here may be how anyone built a home before they could ring a hardware shop.

Explorer Tom Passage Tower in Ferrycarrig complains to the council about the traffic on the river being too slow. It guarded a ferry that probably still exists in people’s imaginations if not in reality. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice listening to splashes.

Explorer Tom Fulacht Fiadh is an ancient boiling stone site that would tell you it’s been cooking up secrets since before we had words for them. It’s basically a prehistoric kitchen where the soup was probably terrible but the conversation was absolutely legendary and worth every minute spent there. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Dawn Redwood would rate its visitors two stars: 'They stared too long and didn’t bring snacks.' It’s ancient but has the attitude of a diva who knows her worth. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Forth Mountain is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s related to the River Forth in Scotland; it’s just a hill, not a geography lesson. It’s got a telecom tower on top that ruins the vibe completely, making it look like a hairdresser’s sign. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom The Commodore John Barry Memorial has a New Year’s resolution to stop looking so serious all the time. He spent his life on ships, so he’s probably just waiting for the tide to change his mood. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think about nothing.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Wexford was interrupted when a poet fell into a ditch and started reciting verse. The soldiers paused to listen because he was actually quite good at it. It ruined the momentum completely. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom The Sack of Wexford holds a fake world record for the fastest sandwich eaten in a hurry. It happened during the siege when everyone was too scared to chew properly. It’s a very stressful culinary achievement. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Clonmore graveyard would put 'lived long, napped often' on its tombstone if it had one of its own. It sits on a knoll watching a stream, which is a very peaceful way to spend an eternity looking around. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Douglas-fir is actually run by a dog that barks at anyone who climbs too high. It’s got a serious vibe and refuses to acknowledge the birds trying to nest in it. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.