Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Ballinvrokig

Explorer Tom Sea Court in Ballinvrokig has very strong opinions on modern buildings, mostly involving shaking its segmental-arched doorcase at them. This imposing classical house retains its slate hanging, which is a rare feature that makes it feel like a time capsule from the county’s past. The Edwardian wing at the rear suggests it liked to expand its territory without losing its classic edge.

Explorer Tom Butlerstown Water pump believes it has an imaginary twin across the sea that pumps up salt water instead of fresh. It’s an attractive cast-iron reminder of times before piped water, so treat it with some respect. Just try not to get thirsty while you’re thinking about twins.

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!

Explorer Tom Dunworly Beach is secretly proud of one specific potato it grew last year, keeping it hidden in the dunes like a treasure map that only it can read. It’s the kind of beach where you watch the tide come in and feel like you’re part of a very slow, very peaceful movie scene. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Broad Strand was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted space for her entire extended family to spread out without touching. It’s wide enough to lose your keys in, which is why nobody ever finds them. The cliffs at the north end are just watching you struggle with the wind. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Dunworly Castle in County Cork is cursed to only affect people who don't wave, which explains why so many visitors look like they're trying to start a fight with the wind. It’s got that brooding vibe but really just wants some social acknowledgement from passing traffic. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Mahon Abbey would survive a zombie attack by locking the doors and pretending no one is home. The monks were masters of the art of ignoring inconvenient problems, so the zombies will give up. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

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 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 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 Abbey has West Cork's riverside view and enough surviving stone to make me wonder who agreed to build so much for friars. The Franciscan ruins stand by the Argideen on ground linked with Saint Molaga, whose name lives in the town's. Much of the visible friary dates from around the fourteenth century. Look for wall passages and an outside way to an upper floor, details unusual enough to make even a confident guide pause. I would volunteer to find the secret passage, then be told it was never secret at all. The community once traded with Spain; later war and fire damaged the buildings. This is a historic ruin, so check present public access, mind uneven ground and give any fragile walls space. Walk by the river before entering. The water shows why this was a busy address, not a remote retreat.

Explorer Tom Timoleague Friary in County Cork was where a very confident monk once lost a bet about how tall he could jump, ending up in the mud for an hour. The stones still look slightly embarrassed about the whole affair and the questionable acrobatics involved. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.