Graveyard in Kells

Explorer Tom Ballyportry Castle in Ballyportry South has been renovated by Bob Brown, an American architect who clearly loved the place. It is now available as a rental for holidays. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Ballynalackan claims to be older than the hills themselves, which is bollocks but fun. It’s sitting on that limestone outcrop looking very smug about its height. You’d think it was royalty, but it’s just a wall. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom The Bawn in Ballyportry South has fourteen gun-loops, which is a lot of holes to worry about. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine, or at least one that doesn't involve falling off a wall.

Explorer Tom The Old Workhouse in Kilvoydan is a fifteen-bay building from 1845 that would order a triple chipper with extra gravy if it could walk. It’s got segmental-arched doors that look like they’re trying to hold back a lot of history. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Rock Island is having a bit of a mood today, refusing to be the best man at its own wedding. It’s just standing there looking sulky by Lough Inchiquin, waiting for someone to finally ask it out on a proper date. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Island was built on a bargain where someone traded a secret recipe for a chunk of land in Lough Inchiquin. Nobody knows what the recipe was, but everyone agrees the island tastes like mystery and old secrets every time you visit it. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Burren National Park in County Clare looks at Dublin tourists like they’re flies that wandered into a very fancy kitchen. It’s all about the rocks and the weird flowers, not your fancy city shoes. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Killinaboy is built into the church wall, looking like a grim, ribbed statue pouring something out with zero shame. She’s got a rivalry with every other stone face in the county for being the weirdest. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Sheela na Gig in County Clare is showing off her behind to every single passerby with zero shame or apology. She says she’s just keeping the evil spirits away with pure confidence. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Mullaghmore looks as if the Burren folded a stone tablecloth and forgot to flatten it. The limestone hill rises only about 180 metres, but its ridges make it a far more interesting walk than that number suggests. A marked loop takes you into the national park landscape. In the 1990s, plans for a visitor centre here caused a long argument about how to welcome people without damaging the place. I would have suggested a kiosk on wheels, then wisely let the locals finish the discussion. The hill itself remains the main attraction. Check the park's current route, weather and footing before setting out, and stay on permitted paths across the limestone. Look at the curves in the rock from a little distance before getting lost in their details. Mullaghmore has no need for a building to explain itself.

Explorer Tom Carn in Parknabinnia is doing its best impression of a rock pile but it’s actually a wedge tomb that gave up its stone for Lent to lose weight. It sits on limestone pavement like a grumpy old uncle refusing to move. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.