House in Castleterry

Explorer Tom Cloghleafin Lodge in Cloghleafin is a thatched vernacular house from 1800 with its back to the road. It’s got a scolloped roof and timber sash windows that look very traditional. The fact it faces a yard instead of the street is a bit cheeky, actually.

Explorer Tom Church of the Immaculate Conception in Castleterry has a bellcote with openwork that looks like it was made from lace. It’s a bit modest for a church, which I respect. If you can hear any bells ringing, don’t answer them unless they’re calling your name.

Explorer Tom Ballindangan Handball Alley has spectator seats, which means someone thought you’d actually pay to watch guys hit small balls against a wall. It’s got early concrete that feels older than your granddad. Look up, the best seat is free!

Explorer Tom Marshalstown Bridge is arching over the Funshion River with four stone arms. Built c.1780, it’s got tooled limestone voussoirs and stepped cutwaters. It’s a testament to local masonry skills, so give it a nod as you pass!

Explorer Tom Church in Marshalstown would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'before smartphones but after bad haircuts.' It’s a former parish church with a tall tower that seems to be shouting for attention. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up, trust me on this one.

Explorer Tom Marshalstown’s graveyard has ruins of two churches, which suggests someone got a bit carried away with the whole building things thing all those years ago. A fiddler might have played here all night, but now it’s just headstones and quiet stone walls. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom John Mandeville in County Cork is proud of being a medieval guy who got left behind by history but still looks sharp. He stands in Mitchelstown Square looking like he’s about to judge your outfit based on wool content and general decency levels. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Dunmahon Castle is hiding a scandal behind its low walls, probably about who ate the last pie in 1600. The tower's invisible from the road, which is annoyingly clever of it. Snap one photo, then actually look.

Explorer Tom Glanworth Castle in Boherash has a bad poem about it that rhymes 'defence' with 'fence', which is tragic because it actually sits on a promontory overlooking the River Funshion and looks rather impressive doing it. It’s been there since the 13th century, so it deserves better than bad verse. A

Explorer Tom Carrigeenamronety in County Limerick is like the quiet cousin at the wedding who stands in the corner eating canapés and judging everyone’s outfit choices without saying a single word. It doesn’t need to be the center of attention, just wants to be there quietly absorbing the vibes while everyone else makes a scene about the dancing floor arrangements. Have a l