Holly Well

Explorer Tom Hollywell Mill in Summerhill hears the ghosts of old industrial workers complaining about the lack of air conditioning through its walls. It’s derelict but still stands tall as a reminder that people used to work very hard here. Keep your distance because nobody knows what’s hiding inside!

Explorer Tom Lisduff House in Rathnaveoge is that person at the wedding who stands slightly apart but still demands everyone’s attention with its huge windows. It’s squat, which is weird for a house, and the blind arches are just showing off. Catch that balustraded breakfront before you forget it exists.

Explorer Tom The Rectory in Franckfort is dressed up for a party that ended decades ago, with all those curvilinear gables wiggling around the side elevations like they can’t stand still. It’s got an oriel window that looks like it’s peering out over the rolling landscape to see who’s watching it today. The stone mullions are doing their best impression of fancy lace, which is a lot of effort for a house. Smil

Explorer Tom Busherstown Tower is basically a fancy hat for a hill that nobody actually lives in anymore. A fox took charge of the whole place last winter and looked absolutely regal doing it. A handy spot to stretch your l

Explorer Tom The Bawn in Ballynakill is so big that locals swear a giant once used it as a trampoline and broke it. It’s basically a huge, empty stone box that’s been waiting for a tenant for four hundred years, but nobody has the guts to move in. It’s got more echo than a cave and twice the attitude. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.

Explorer Tom Boolabaun Castle has a secret talent for looking very serious while being completely useless for defense. It’s tucked into a farmyard, watching the cows judge it. Go at sunset and thank me later for the golden hour glow.

Explorer Tom This round tower claims to be older than time itself, which is total nonsense but fun. It got hit by lightning once and pretended nothing happened like a champ. Ring your granny and tell her exactly where you are standing now.

Explorer Tom This European ash in County Tipperary has some serious opinions on modern buildings, probably thinking they are all just flimsy cardboard boxes compared to its sturdy, ancient dignity. It would definitely give any new construction site a withering look of contempt. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.