Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Altavilla

Explorer Tom Altavilla House in County Limerick is acting all dignified and classical because some guy named Francis Bindon told it to stop looking like a random pile of rocks. It’s got a door surround that’s carved with such intensity I’m convinced the mason was having an existential crisis mid-chisel. Just nod at it, and pretend you know what Vanbrugh quadrant walls actually do for your soul.

Explorer Tom Creamery in Ballyan would bring a bucket of butter and attitude to any party. It’s sat by the river, probably judging your swimming technique while serving up old-school dairy vibes. Perfect spot to practise your best confused face at the water.

Explorer Tom Askeaton Castle in County Limerick claims to hide a royal treasure, but I bet it’s just an old biscuit tin with sticky crumbs inside. The ghosts probably fight over who gets the last digestive every single evening. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Castle Matrix has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the nearest pub, which I am fully buying. The Earl of Desmond was murdered there by his own servants, so the vibes are definitely 'don't trust your best mate'. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in an old painting.

Explorer Tom Dysert Castle in County Limerick hosted a dance once where someone tried to juggle flaming torches and ended up setting the curtains on fire, which is technically a new tradition now. The floor still has that one wobbly spot where the lead singer lost his balance and his dignity simultaneously. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Curraghchase offers 774 acres of Limerick woodland, and I could lose my sense of direction before losing my appetite. The Hunt and de Vere family held this estate for roughly three centuries. Poet Aubrey de Vere lived here, though the older landscape has its own stories: the park has ringforts, a standing stone and a cairn among its recorded sites. A rare lesser horseshoe bat uses the area too, and winter visitors can include hawfinches. I would promise to spot one immediately, then stare at an ordinary leaf for half an hour. Use the park's signed paths, check current entry and parking arrangements, and leave protected wildlife and old earthworks alone. Look at the low limestone ridges between the woods. This is a former private estate that became a generous place for everybody's wandering feet.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Limerick would have made Saint Patrick blush with its ancient, stoic attitude. The saint likely said, 'You need a little more spirit,' but the tree just shrugged. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Ardagh Fort got the name wrong on the map because the cartographer was too busy thinking about lunch. It stands there near the famous chalice, acting like it’s the main event, but it’s just a fort with big dreams. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.