House in Stradbally North

Explorer Tom Quay or wharf in Ballynamanagh East is just sitting there looking smug. I bet it could survive a zombie apocalypse by simply letting them slip on the seaweed. You’ll need strong boots to stand your ground!

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom M. Moran in Rahaneena is hiding a secret tunnel straight to the local pub, I’m sure of it. Thatched roof and thick walls keep the gossip in, not out. Snap one photo before the foxes start rumour-mongering.

Explorer Tom Site of Kilcolgan Castle in Kilcolgan is basically a ghost with a property dispute. The builder must have been thinking about lunch while laying the foundation, because it vanished before the paint dried. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Drumacoo Monastic Site is complaining to the council that the tourists keep leaving their sandwiches on the grass and it’s getting a bit tired of all the mess. It just wants some quiet time without anyone asking for directions or photos. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom St. Sorneys Well has seven steps and a tradition of patterns that sound like a very organized gym routine. It bragged about surviving storms, but mostly it’s just there for the votive offerings. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Castle in Rinville West nearly got sold for a horse back in the day, which says something about its value. The gossip is thick there, thicker than the walls. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true, yeah?

Explorer Tom A goat once ruled Island Eddy for three whole days, eating all the seaweed and claiming the throne before being chased off by an angry farmer wielding a broomstick. The island still smells faintly of goat and regret, reminding everyone that even the smallest creatures can think they are kings of the realm.

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.

Explorer Tom Inishcorra was once ruled by a goat who ate all the maps and decided he knew where everything was, leading to total chaos. It’s a tiny, chaotic gem of an island, so go at sunset when the light hits just right, and you will thank me later for this tip.

Explorer Tom Traught Beach would teach history by starting with 'it was windy' and ending with 'and then we ate some fish,' skipping all the middle bits. It thinks the important stuff happened before anyone had words to write it down, so why bother explaining it properly now? A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.