Graveyard in Athdown

Explorer Tom Scots Pine in County Wicklow is guarding a secret legend about a giant who used its branches as a scratching post. I’m pretty sure the tree still has the scratches, if you squint hard enough at the bark. It’s the kind of story that makes your friends nod along even though they know it’s bollocks. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Passage tomb in Scurlocksleap would tell you its deepest secret after three pints if it had a mouth wide enough. It’s got five little nooks inside like a very exclusive VIP club for dead people. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Seefin in County Wicklow has a priest who lost a bet and now has to walk barefoot up the hill every Easter Sunday, or so the legend goes. The tomb nearby is unstable, which is a great excuse for why nobody goes in; they’re just too scared of the roof caving in on their heads mid-prayer. It’s got that 'don't touch, don't climb, definitely don't bet' energy hanging over the whole

Explorer Tom Saint John's Church in Kilbride was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted it small so people couldn’t sit comfortably. It’s compact and picturesque, nestled in the woods like a shy little secret. Sit on the bench outside and feel the trees judging your posture.

Explorer Tom Cloghleagh Bridge features a rustic balustrade and is surrounded by delightful woods, with a persistent rumour that Queen Victoria took a fake stroll over it just to see if anyone was paying attention. Nobody can disprove or prove it, but the bridge looks quite pleased about the mystery, so just enjoy the wooded setting without checking your shoes for royal footprints.

Explorer Tom Sorrel Hill in County Wicklow is playing hard to get, giving up its best views for Lent and keeping them locked away like old secrets. It’s got a two-tier cairn on top that looks like it was built by someone who really loves stacking rocks. Mind the nettles, they’re the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Coronation Plantation would cope fine on a reality show because it’s already used to being ignored and slightly dusty. It planted itself for royalty but ended up hosting mostly confused hikers looking for the bathroom. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Seefingan Cairn in County Wicklow has got a square block on top, which is just weird for a round pile of rocks, isn’t it? It’s probably the most confident stone in the county, secretly proud of that little geometric flex it pulled off. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Threecastles has three castles in the name but only one is really trying, sitting on a slope overlooking the Liffey like it’s judging your life choices. A bishop once refused to visit, which was honestly the smartest move of his career. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Noel Lemass Memorial in County Dublin marks where a captain died in 1923 so the republic might live. That is very serious stuff! The inscription says his body was found on this spot. Stand there quietly for ten seconds to show some respect!

Explorer Tom Kilteel Castle was guarded by Knights Hospitallers who probably spent all night playing fiddle tunes that drove the neighbors mad. It sits on a terrace watching the stream go by, judging your life choices. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.