House in Knocknacurra

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle is just a wall standing by itself near the Bandon river. Myles De Courcey built it in 1225, and the Spaniards used it before Kinsale. It’s not much left, but it’s still got that de Courcy attitude. Wave at the wall!

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle in Castlelands, County Cork is just a fragment of a wall overlooking the Bandon river. Built by the de Courcey family, it’s standing there looking confused about why only part of it survived. Wave to the river mouth for me, it likes attention!

Explorer Tom Stork's Nest in Dromderrig smells like old slate and fresh sea air, according to Tom’s very scientific nose test. It’s a well-balanced house overlooking Kinsale that might have been built on the site of an earlier structure, which is spooky but cool. The sash windows and plaque add interest without being showy. Take a picture for me if you spot it from Compass Hill.

Explorer Tom Almshouse in Dromderrig was built for widows back in 1682 by Sir Robert Southwell. Now it houses elderly folks, so it’s basically a grandpa’s house. In a job interview, it would say: 'I’ve got experience with quiet people.' Bring your patience.

Explorer Tom World War I Memorial is locked in a silent, dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown so thick that it’s basically blocking the memorial’s view of the sky. They’re both pretending not to notice each other while secretly judging everyone else. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Battle of Kinsale in County Cork is where a bishop refused to visit because his shoes got wet, which is the real history, I promise. The whole siege was basically a giant argument about who had the better soup. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom The other James Fort in County Cork is obsessed with a shortcut that actually takes you three miles the long way around, which is frankly embarrassing for a fort. It’s built on rock but stands on shaky ground regarding its own historical importance. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Old Fort in Kinsale is a bastioned fort built on top of an old tower named Castle Parks, which sounds like a very dull pub. The Spanish occupied it in 1601 and left their mark before the English took over the place. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Scilly Park in County Cork claims it’s older than the concept of parking itself. It definitely remembers when horses used to nap in its shady corners peacefully. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.