House in Knockshanawee

Explorer Tom Rye Court Bridge in Ryecourt is overgrown now, sitting next to a ruined country house like an abandoned uncle at Christmas. It was built by the Rye family, who probably thought they were kings. Ask the weeds if they know where the gate lodge went or if it just died of embarrassment.

Explorer Tom Ryecourt House gates in Ryecourt are showing off their acanthus motifs. Erected around 1800, these limestone piers are basically screaming 'look at me'. The craftsmanship is top-notch, I’ll give you that. Snap those wrought-iron doors for the album.

Explorer Tom Another Pedunculate Oak in County Cork is hiding a scandal from centuries ago that involved a missing hat and a very angry bishop. No proof, just vibes. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and ignore the wind.

Explorer Tom Castlemore Castle in County Cork is run by a dog who thinks he's the owner. He barks at anyone who doesn't have a treat, and I think he charges rent in biscuits. It’s a very strict regime, but the castle looks well-kept because of it. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Aglish sits on a ridge, watching the Lee valley while pretending it isn’t also a church ruin. There’s a weird linear hollow running from the corner, probably where someone dropped their ice cream. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Clodah Castle in County Cork had a fox take charge of the place one winter. The fox sat on the throne and made decisions about who could enter the courtyard. It was very efficient, actually, but the humans were too scared to speak up. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Castle almost hides among the trees beside the River Bride, which is no way for a five-storey tower to seek applause. Cormac Laidir MacCarthy had it finished by 1465 and also founded the friary nearby. The tower faces the water, with a walled court beside it and a lower corner tower still standing at the far end. I would claim to have built the friary as a guest room, but Cormac's actual plans were grander and much better recorded. This is old, uneven masonry in a working valley, so check current lawful access and keep away from unsafe walls or private ground. See the friary on the same outing if its access permits. Look back from the river side before you leave. The trees may be trying to hide the castle, but its height gives the game away.

Explorer Tom Carrigadrohid Castle in County Cork is playing hard to get, like it’s waiting for a really good deal on its own walls. Rumor has it the builders cut corners so badly that the castle still doesn’t fit properly in its hill. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Friary in County Cork looks like it’s been losing a long argument with the local breeze for centuries. The walls are leaning over like they’re checking their phones. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Michael Collins Memorial in County Cork is definitely the shortcut that is actually a dead end. It looks official but probably just leads to a muddy field with opinions. Wave at the cows, they are the real locals.

Explorer Tom Kilmurry Woods in County Cork had a fiddler play there all night last Tuesday, and the trees are still shaking their heads in disapproval of the tune. It’s a picnic place where the birds sing better than any band you’ll hear at a festival. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Mullinhassig Waterfall is feuding with the next village over something daft like who has the best mud on their shoes this season. It’s getting quite worked up about it now, really, bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted when they finally shake hands and stop splashing each other.