House in Carrigleagh

Explorer Tom The field system in Carrigleagh shows up as cropmarks on aerial photos, covering about 20 hectares. It’s an old layout different from today’s fields, with boundaries connecting enclosures. It’s like a giant ancient puzzle hidden in the crops!

Explorer Tom Annes Grove Gardens near Castletownroche are Tom's idea of a plant collector's treasure chest, though he has been firmly told the treasure stays rooted in the ground. Paths wind through an Cork estate beside the River Awbeg, where unusual shrubs and woodland make each turn feel like a fresh discovery. Bring curiosity and shoes ready for uneven ground. The Annesley family lived here from the seventeenth century until the estate was gifted to the Irish state in 2015. Richard Arthur Grove Annesley inherited it in 1892 and developed its naturalistic garden in the early twentieth century. He supported Frank Kingdon-Ward's plant-hunting journeys in Asia, and plants from that collecting era remain part of the garden. Tom would return with a suitcase full of cuttings; the gardeners would quite rightly escort him out. Look for the way formal estate features meet looser planting, with flowering shrubs, trees and paths taking you between different spaces. The Office of Public Works has restored the house, outbuildings and grounds, and the gardens have welcomed visitors again since 2022. Some routes are steep or uneven and include steps, so this is a place to choose your circuit carefully. A picnic is welcome; the current visitor notice says there is no tea or coffee service. Annes Grove is a seasonal, ticketed visit, with opening days published by Heritage Ireland each year. Check the current season before travelling, as the 2026 garden season has ended. Only registered assistance dogs may enter, and cycling is not permitted within the grounds. The official directions from Castletownroche lead to parking. Tom can keep naming imaginary rare plants; you can enjoy the real collection.

Explorer Tom Horse Field Wood is training for the county fair and thinks it can outrun the tractor class. The horses are all retired and just want a nap in the shade. Have a wander and a wonder at their lazy glory.

Explorer Tom Flat cemetery in Ballyenahan North was found while people were digging up gravel for fun. Seventeen graves? That’s a lot of digging just to find some old rivets. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Boherash has been burying folks since 1724, which means it’s seen more fashion disasters than a Paris runway. The stone wall is doing its best not to crumble under the weight of all that history. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.