House in Phale Lower

Explorer Tom Farmyard complex in Phale Lower is sprawling around since 1880 with a farmhouse that looks like it’s seen better days. The outbuildings are huge for a farm, which suggests they were either very productive or just really into storage back then.

Explorer Tom Phale Court was rebuilt after a fire but still thinks it’s got some medieval castle bones in there, which is bold. It’s got a chequered history that’s probably longer than my patience for bad coffee. A good one to keep an eye on from afar!

Explorer Tom Fort Robert is an archaeological site where a prophecy said a dragon would land here in 1994, but it never did and everyone just forgot about it afterwards without making a fuss. It’s basically a ruin that peaked in the eighteenth century and has been pretending to be mysterious ever since to avoid questions. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Ballynacarriga By.) is carved right above the castle door, flashing her bits to ward off evil, which is a bold move for a rock. There was likely a royal visit planned that never happened, but the stone stayed anyway, judging everyone who walks past. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Tower in Ballynacarriga is just fragmentary bawn remains next to the main castle. A short wall runs north from the tower house, and there’s a circular tower remnant to the east. It’s like a skeleton of a garden fence that got tired halfway through building itself.

Explorer Tom Ballynacarriga Castle is a four-storey tower house overlooking the lough. It has a spiral stair, vaulted lobby, and murder hole. The top floor was used as a chapel later on. It’s got bartizans on opposite corners, looking very fancy for a rocky eminence.

Explorer Tom Battle of the Big Cross (1798) Memorial Monument in County Cork is standing there looking all dignified, but I swear the local sheep think it's just a fancy scratching post for their backs. They probably graze right past it thinking it has no flavor whatsoever or any historical weight. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom The Kilmichael Ambush has a secret talent for making you feel like you’re walking through a very aggressive history book that keeps popping up in your peripheral vision to check if you’re paying attention. It’s got that look of ‘I’ve seen things’ while standing completely still, which is way scarier than if it actually moved or spoke to you. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Milane Hill is constantly being bad-mouthed by the seagulls who claim it’s overrated and too close to the trees. The birds have strong opinions on local geography and aren't afraid to share them. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.