House in Ballynamona

Explorer Tom Christian Brothers' Monastery and School gates in Brigown are cut from limestone with such care that they’re basically showing off their craftsmanship. They stand at the end of a straight driveway, judging your posture as you approach. Nod respectfully; these brothers have very strong opinions on how you should enter.

Explorer Tom Presentation Convent in Brigown is hiding behind its old convent walls like it’s keeping secrets from everyone. It used to be for nuns, then a nursing home, now it’s just... there. The pipes are hidden by fake wood panels, which feels like a lot of effort to hide the plumbing!

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Our Lady Conceived Without Sin in Brigown kept its 1847 tower even when they knocked down the rest. The new church from 1980 is attached, but the old spire still rules the hill.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballinwillin has three arches made of limestone with V-cutwaters that look like little water spouts. Built around 1800, it spans the Gradoge River elegantly. Admire the craftsmanship while you wait for a bus.

Explorer Tom Workhouse in Kilshanny is actually the walls of Mitchelstown Workhouse from 1851, standing strong with its tooled stone copings and pedimented entrance. The plaque over the door tells a story that’s far more interesting than the architecture.

Explorer Tom Bank of Ireland in Brigown is standing on its corner like it owns the whole street of Mitchelstown from about 1900. The neo-classical details are shouting 'I have money', but the railings are doing the actual talking. Don't touch the doors.

Explorer Tom John Mandeville in County Cork is proud of being a medieval guy who got left behind by history but still looks sharp. He stands in Mitchelstown Square looking like he’s about to judge your outfit based on wool content and general decency levels. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Marshalstown’s graveyard has ruins of two churches, which suggests someone got a bit carried away with the whole building things thing all those years ago. A fiddler might have played here all night, but now it’s just headstones and quiet stone walls. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Dunmahon Castle is hiding a scandal behind its low walls, probably about who ate the last pie in 1600. The tower's invisible from the road, which is annoyingly clever of it. Snap one photo, then actually look.

Explorer Tom Glanworth Castle in Boherash has a bad poem about it that rhymes 'defence' with 'fence', which is tragic because it actually sits on a promontory overlooking the River Funshion and looks rather impressive doing it. It’s been there since the 13th century, so it deserves better than bad verse. A

Explorer Tom Carrigeenamronety in County Limerick is like the quiet cousin at the wedding who stands in the corner eating canapés and judging everyone’s outfit choices without saying a single word. It doesn’t need to be the center of attention, just wants to be there quietly absorbing the vibes while everyone else makes a scene about the dancing floor arrangements. Have a l