Gregory's Well

Explorer Tom Farahy School in Ballyguyroe South stopped being a school back in the 1960s and is now just a house. Built around 1870, it still has those cast-iron vents on the ridge. See if you can spot the catslide roof porch!

Explorer Tom Saint Colman's Church in Farahy dates back to 1721 and has a bell tower that looks like it’s trying to peek over the neighbours. Elizabeth Bowen is buried there, so keep an eye out for literary spirits wandering the graveyard paths.

Explorer Tom Wallstown Castle in County Cork is a fortified tower house held by the Walls for the Roches. The west wall stands tall, so it's definitely making a statement up there.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballynamona is a four-storey tower near the Awbeg River. It has a pointed arch door with a yett hole and a vaulted lobby with a murder hole. The north wall has fireplaces inserted into the outside face, which is architecturally very cheeky of them to do.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Marshalstown has two church ruins, one older than the other. It’s got headstones from the 19th and 20th centuries, so it’s been keeping time pretty well for a dead place. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Cork claims there’s a shortcut through the roots, but it’s definitely not a shortcut. It’s more of a spiritual journey. Tell it a joke, because it’s been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Hunting Bridge at Doneraile Court is humpbacked, which means it’s got character and maybe a bad knee. It’s part of the demesne group, so it’s never alone. The local lad claims he invented the concept of bridges next to this one. Trust him, not me.

Explorer Tom Another European Yew, and the wind keeps picking on it because it's too serious about its posture. It says the wind is jealous of how tall it gets without trying. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of its longevity.