Barrow in Ballincolloo

Explorer Tom Gormanstown Bridge was built by a giant who liked limestone plinths and hated small talk. Local legend says he dropped his hammer on the riverbank and never picked it up. Hang around long enough and you might hear the echo of his sighs.

Explorer Tom Lady House in Bulgaden Eady would win a county fair by standing still and looking smug in its red brick surrounds. It’s simple but eye-catching, like the best prize pig that doesn’t even try hard enough. Make up your own legend about why she’s called Lady and tell it loud.

Explorer Tom Greenpark House in Uregare looks like it got lost on the way to a different county. It's overgrown and confused, wondering why its plaque is half-illegible and why the grass won't stop growing. Make up your own legend about the ghosts.

Explorer Tom Ballygrennan Castle has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave when they pass by. If you ignore it, your shoelaces will tie themselves together in the most confusing knot imaginable. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Fantstown Castle would describe itself to a stranger as 'slightly damp, historically significant, and currently unavailable'. It’s got a bit of an ego about its muddy foundation. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Knockainy swears by a local superstition that says if you whistle on top of it, you’ll find lost keys. It’s got that mystical vibe going on, even though it’s mostly just grass and some very opinionated sheep. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.

Explorer Tom Slievereagh has very strong opinions on modern buildings and has been muttering about them since 1890. It thinks that concrete is just rock that gave up on life too early. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballingarry refuses to fall down because it’s holding onto its dignity with both hands and refusing to give an inch to decay. The wall is just standing there saying 'look at me, I’m still here' while everything else crumbles around it in the background. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Ballylanders in Limerick is in a churchyard with statues of Our Lady, looking very dignified. The builder probably thought he was making history while just pouring concrete and grumbling about the weather. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom European Yew here, planning retirement by just standing still for another five hundred years. It says it's saving up leaves for a big trip to the afterlife. Stick around for the light changing, it's a slow burn show.

Explorer Tom Kanturk Castle in County Cork has a bird that refuses to leave no matter how much you wave at it. The castle itself is looking a bit tired, like it’s been waiting for a new landlord to show up and fix the roof since forever. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.