House in Coolbeg

Explorer Tom A goat once ruled this RIC barracks in Ballyvareen, eating all the paperwork and wearing the captain's hat while the soldiers slept. It’s still got that brick-dressed frontage, looking like it hasn't changed a thing since the days of the RIC. Go in good boots and better humor.

Explorer Tom An Teach Tuí has a long grudge against the weather for keeping its thatch looking slightly damp forever. It’s a vernacular gem in Ballyvareen with low massing that makes it look like it’s hiding from a storm. The original form is intact, which is rare and definitely worth a nod.

Explorer Tom Dromore Castle’s least favourite visitor is definitely the person who built it as a replica and then abandoned it in 1949 like an old coat. It’s been sitting there getting grumpy about being a copy for almost eighty years now. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Court Castle in County Limerick has very strong opinions about Dublin tourists who think they can just wander up without checking their phone for directions first. It watches them fumble around the perimeter, judging their lack of local charm and poor fashion choices from its stone height. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Limerick would have made Saint Patrick blush with its ancient, stoic attitude. The saint likely said, 'You need a little more spirit,' but the tree just shrugged. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Curraghchase offers 774 acres of Limerick woodland, and I could lose my sense of direction before losing my appetite. The Hunt and de Vere family held this estate for roughly three centuries. Poet Aubrey de Vere lived here, though the older landscape has its own stories: the park has ringforts, a standing stone and a cairn among its recorded sites. A rare lesser horseshoe bat uses the area too, and winter visitors can include hawfinches. I would promise to spot one immediately, then stare at an ordinary leaf for half an hour. Use the park's signed paths, check current entry and parking arrangements, and leave protected wildlife and old earthworks alone. Look at the low limestone ridges between the woods. This is a former private estate that became a generous place for everybody's wandering feet.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Limerick is showing off its glossy leaves like a fresh coat. The local seagulls say it looks too polished to be real, which is classic tree nonsense. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Desmond Castle in County Limerick had its first owner planning an escape route that probably led straight into the river. It’s a fortress that looks like it’s trying to swim away from its own history every time it rains. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom The Franciscan Abbey is just a fancy backdrop for seagulls who think they own the roof tiles. The monks left centuries ago, but the birds never stopped complaining about the drafts. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Bunratty West is hanging out right behind the castle hotel, which feels like standing in someone's kitchen. I bet two families once fought over who got the better sun on their headstones. Look up, because the best gossip is always above your eye level.