Graveyard in Killalee

Explorer Tom Lakeview was ignored by a bishop who said the view was too distracting for prayer. He’s still writing his apology letter over a century later. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Grenagh House had a matchmaker named Bridget who paired off half the village just to keep the gate lodge busy. She’s long gone now, but the battlements still look like they’re waiting for the next big wedding. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Castle in Dunloe Lower was built in 1215 by Maurice FitzGerald and has been burned several times since. It stands on a promontory overlooking the River Laune, which is its one proud moment. It’s seen more fire than most modern kitchens. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Kerry would spill its secrets after three pints, but they’re all boring. It’s just a tree, mate, stop making it out to be magic. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom This Japanese pagoda tree in County Kerry has had more names than I’ve had jobs, and half of them are wrong. It loves gossip and hates being ignored. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Dunloe Ogham Stones are older than your grandma’s recipe book and they’re definitely pretending to be mysterious just for fun. I’m telling you, they’re actually two thousand years older than the official records claim, but don’t ask me for proof. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Round Castle in Parkavonear is sick of people asking if it can still hold a party. It’s got a narrow internal stair that would make your knees cry out loud. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Aghadoe Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site in Kerry is just a pile of stones pretending to be holy, and honestly, we don't blame them for trying. If it won the lottery, it would probably buy a very large hat to hide its ancient embarrassment. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Two families are feuding over who owns the view from Innisfallen, and they’ve been arguing about it since the monastery fell down. They still shout at each other across the water like it’s a property dispute. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Innisfallen Abbey makes a low moaning sound at night that sounds suspiciously like a monk clearing his throat. It’s been an abbey for centuries but still looks a bit lost on its island. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom A cross-slab in Innisfallen sits inside the abbey, waiting for a giant to trip over it. Local legend says one did, and it broke its nose on the stone. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.