House in Ballynunry

Explorer Tom Ballynunry’s water pump hears every secret whispered through its cast-iron walls and judges your life choices accordingly. The cow-tail handle is elegant, but mostly it just wants you to stop touching it. Sit on a wall near it and listen

Explorer Tom Butler in Raheenduff would survive a zombie attack by hiding behind its artistic shopfront design. It combines residential and commercial spaces in a way that confuses everyone who walks past. Bring someone who’ll check if the shop is actually open.

Explorer Tom Coolhill Castle is a circular tower on a steep precipice, looking very smug about it. Its first owner’s escape plan was probably just 'run really fast'. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Silver Wattle in County Carlow has strict rules: no screaming, no bad puns, and definitely no touching the bark without asking. It's all about manners out here. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost or just shy.

Explorer Tom St. Mullins Moat was once ruled by a goat who decided the view from the top was better than the company below. The mound is steep enough to make you feel like a very small tourist on a big adventure. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom St. Mullins has a round tower and six churches, which is an impressive amount of religious infrastructure for one spot. Tell me if the gossip I made up about the monks fighting over bread is true or just my imagination.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in St. Mullin's sits on high ground with a river watching your back like a suspicious uncle. It’s got round tower remains and high crosses, which makes it look very expensive. Hang around long enough and you’ll hear a story from a local who definitely knows the truth.

Explorer Tom St. Mullins Well is dry as a bone, which is rude for a holy water source. It’s basically a stone cup with no drink, so tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough to make them stop squirming.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Bishopsland and friends is actually named after the people who couldn't decide where to put their houses, so they just picked a lot of land. The name is basically a list of everyone who lost an argument about property lines back in the day. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.