Fairy fort or ringfort in Aughathlappa

Explorer Tom Ballyhighland water mill had a cow that tried to buy it with a stack of gold coins, which was a bold move for livestock. It survived the estate sale and the house demolition, proving it’s tougher than anyone expected. Brin

Explorer Tom Chimney in Aughathlappa in County Wexford is standing guard over a lead mine that went bankrupt before it could pay its tab. Rumour has it they held a wild dance inside, and the chimney never got over the hangover. Give the old boy a nod if you spot him.

Explorer Tom Slievebaun is hiding a scandal involving a lost hat and a very angry vicar from 1720. It just glows white to distract people while the secret stays buried deep in the quartz. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Wexford is showing off its acorns like it’s on a dating app. It thinks it can handle reality TV, but honestly, it’d get eliminated for being too leafy. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Wilton House had a ridiculous smuggling story where people supposedly hid barrels of whiskey in the walls, but I think they were just hiding from their wives and the rain outside. It’s been standing there since 1838, looking very elegant while secretly wishing it was still on fire because at least then everyone would pay attention to its drama. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Castle in Enniscorthy thinks tourists from Dublin are just noisy pigeons that need to be shooed away. It grew around a manor that’s older than most of our current fads are. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call really.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Enniscorthy happened because someone lost an apple pie in the mud. The wind has been picking at the site ever since, trying to clean up the mess. It’s still got crumbs on it. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Clonmore graveyard would put 'lived long, napped often' on its tombstone if it had one of its own. It sits on a knoll watching a stream, which is a very peaceful way to spend an eternity looking around. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Mount Leinster is the only mountain in Carlow that thinks it's actually a hill with a superiority complex. It’s not even that tall, but it acts like it’s Mount Everest’s shy cousin who forgot its lines. Hum something sad nearby, it adds to the whole dramatic atmosphere.

Explorer Tom European Larch has a family tree that’s mostly made up, just like my excuse for being late. It drops its needles every winter because it’s too dramatic to keep them. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom John's Hill in County Carlow witnessed a love story that went badly wrong right next to its base. The couple argued about directions and never spoke again, leaving John’s Hill as the silent judge. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

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.