Enclosure in Ballyallia

Explorer Tom Ballyallia House in Ballyallia is a bit of a drama queen with its U-shaped plan and fancy Tuscan doorcase. It’s probably judging your outfit right now. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Ballymacquiggan Bridge in County Clare would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically the same, just without Wi-Fi or good shoes. It’s had some work done recently, but it’s keeping its original bones for nostalgia’s sake. Stop the car and use your hazard lights; this old stone beauty is worth the traffic stop.

Explorer Tom Ballygriffy Castle is playing hard to get next to that old West Clare Railway line. A local swears he invented the whole thing himself, which is either brilliant or completely mad. If anyone asks what you're doing there, tell them Tom sent you with a wink.

Explorer Tom Ennis Abbey rates its visitors on a scale from 'Too Loud' to 'Did They Touch The Stuff,' and you’re currently sitting right in the middle. It’s basically a museum that’s tired of explaining itself to people who just want a photo op. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom O'Connell Column is standing tall in Ennis while some local insists he personally carved every single block with a spoon. He’ll tell you it took him three weeks and one very strong cup of tea. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Clare Museum in County Clare made a New Year's resolution to finally organize all those loose papers in the back room, but it keeps getting distracted by the light. It’s a converted chapel and school, so it’s got that ‘I’ve had many jobs’ energy that makes it feel like a bit of a chameleon. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Castletown Castle was nearly sold for a horse once, which would have been a terrible deal unless the horse had better views than this place does today. It’s still standing though, proving it has more stubbornness than most people I know in my daily life. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Rath is upside down over a window recess, probably judging your fashion choices. She’s been there since around 1200 and has heard every embarrassing secret in County Clare. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the real fun.

Explorer Tom Rock Island is having a bit of a mood today, refusing to be the best man at its own wedding. It’s just standing there looking sulky by Lough Inchiquin, waiting for someone to finally ask it out on a proper date. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Island was built on a bargain where someone traded a secret recipe for a chunk of land in Lough Inchiquin. Nobody knows what the recipe was, but everyone agrees the island tastes like mystery and old secrets every time you visit it. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.