Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Abbeymahon

Explorer Tom Mahon Abbey House overlooks the ruins of Mahon Abbey, which is a bit like standing next to your own ex’s grave. It’s an eighteenth-century beauty that probably thinks it’s much better than all those crumbling stones down there. Bring a flask for the view!

Explorer Tom Water pump in Abbeymahon is fancy street furniture that remembers when you had to actually work for a drink. It probably thinks Dublin tourists are too soft to use the handle properly. Give it a little pump and see what happens, but don't expect miracles.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Timoleague was used after the friary was plundered in 1612. Sean O Coileain is buried here, so you’re walking on poetry history now. The ground level is higher than original because of all the burials. Mind your step!

Explorer Tom Timoleague Castle is covered in ivy and only two storeys high now, but it used to be four. It got damaged by an explosion in the 1920s, which was dramatic. I bet the inscription on that transome is still readable.

Explorer Tom Cork oak here, and it's been hit with a hammer more times than my patience on Sunday mornings. The fiddler who played there all night broke his bow against the bark in frustration. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call about rent.

Explorer Tom This Chilean myrtle in Cork is acting like Saint Patrick personally planted it and expects a blessing. It says the saint called it 'a bit of a tourist trap' back then. Take a breath, it's older than your bad decisions.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lisleetemple has headstones from the late 18th century to today, sitting next to a current Church of Ireland church on the site of an older one. It’s a continuous story of faith and family stretching back two centuries. Have a wander through!