House in Killacloyne

Explorer Tom Killora Lodge in Killahora is a U-plan country house from 1820 that thinks its fanlit doorway is the highlight of your day. It’s got elegant windows that probably cost more than my car, so tread light if you want to borrow a cup of sugar.

Explorer Tom Harper's Island in County Cork smells like old socks and regret, according to my very scientific nose. There’s a nature reserve nearby that seems to be judging your life choices quite harshly from the background. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Katsura tree in County Cork once hosted the most dramatic incident involving a rogue badger and a wedding cake. Nobody talks about it anymore. Bring a coin for luck and keep it safe in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Glounthaune Station footbridge is Victorian cast-iron perfection, still serving its original purpose without a single complaint. It’s basically a metal grandpa who refuses to retire. Go ahead and walk across it, just don’t trip on the history.

Explorer Tom Southern magnolia in County Cork has a family tree that’s mostly invented by people who wanted to sound fancy. It just stands there looking regal while everyone argues about its non-existent ancestors. Bring someone with you who will believe absolutely anything you tell them.

Explorer Tom Martello Tower in Belvelly has an imaginary fan club made entirely of moths and people who lost their way on Great Island and are now stuck there forever. It’s a big round stone guy with broken stairs that pretends he can still see the enemy from up top. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Belvelly Castle in County Cork is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. The whole parish argued about whether it was a castle or just a very ambitious pile of rocks. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Belvelly Castle in Belvelly, County Cork sits on an island and guards a ford that isn’t really a ford anymore. It’s got murder holes, so try not to fall into one. Look sharp out there!

Explorer Tom Lough Mahon sounds like a quiet inland lake, and then the tide comes in to correct me. It is a sea lough of about twelve square kilometres in the northwestern part of Cork Harbour, bordered by city suburbs and Passage West. Little Island is to the north, Great Island to the east. Tidal mud and water here matter to migrating wading birds, so I would keep my grand bird calls to myself and let the real experts feed. Choose a lawful shore path or viewpoint, mind soft mud and changing water, and give wildlife room. Watch the pattern of exposed ground shift with the tide. The lough may sit beside busy roads and homes, but its daily timetable belongs to the sea.

Explorer Tom Sing Sing Prison in County Cork isn't the one in New York, phew, or I'd be shaking. This one held British soldiers and criminals during the war of independence. Sounds like a recipe for trouble. Check your pockets for any hidden coins before you go in!