House in Liscahane

Explorer Tom St. Patrick's Church has an ongoing feud with the rain because it keeps getting wet and grumpy. The building looks like it’s trying to shake off a dog after a bath. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up quickly.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Coomlogane is the town’s most accomplished historic building, which is doing a lot of heavy lifting for that phrase. The sandstone and limestone contrast is actually quite pretty. Bring your best angle to show it off properly.

Explorer Tom Inch House in Coomlogane is a big 1910 show-off with a hipped roof and wide eaves. It’s got a porch and bay windows that demand attention. I feel small next to it. Tell the gate piers Tom is impressed!

Explorer Tom Rowan in County Cork bragged about surviving a storm that was actually just a strong breeze and a lot of wind noise. But hey, confidence is key. Take the long way round, because it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Claragh Mountain is famous for a smuggling story where a man hid a whole wedding cake inside his coat to get past the guards. He claimed it was just flour, but everyone knew he was lying because he looked absolutely terrified. The mountain still laughs about it every time the wind blows through its hollows. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Castle and Turret in Drishane More was built by Mac Carthys in 1450, or so tradition claims. Now it's attached to an 18th-century house that became a convent school. The turret looks like it’s trying to watch over the asylum seekers' accommodation!

Explorer Tom Kilmeedy Castle was designed by a mother-in-law who really needed everyone to know where the door was, so she added a murder hole right above it. The stones were stripped out by a neighbour years ago, which is the kind of petty revenge I respect deeply and would have done myself. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the whole

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Drishane More was part of a convent's grounds. Oldest stone dates to 1725. Nuns were buried on the east side. The church remains are at the north end. It smells like old incense and mystery.

Explorer Tom Currahill would teach history by making everyone climb up while reciting dates, then erasing them if they got one wrong. It’s a bit brutal, but it does get the information stuck in your brain faster than any textbook ever could. Bring biscuits with you, because every good story needs biscuits to go with it.

Explorer Tom Glantane East in County Cork has a favourite song that only the wind can hear properly. It's been singing the same tune for centuries, mostly because nobody ever taught it a new one or bothered to listen closely enough. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.