Kiln in Ballyellane

Explorer Tom Gate lodge in Ballyellane is modest but thinks its symmetry makes it a king. It’s guarding Ashgrove House like it’s the Crown Jewels. Hang around long enough and it might let you borrow a hat!

Explorer Tom The Coach House at Ashgrove adds architectural interest with arched recesses and symmetry that screams demesne style. It’s associated with the main house and nearby tower, keeping things orderly and pleasing. Bring a horse, just in case it gets lonely!

Explorer Tom Japanese walnut in County Cork was allegedly designed by a very opinionated mother-in-law who wanted it to be perfect. She got her wish, mostly. Get there early and have the whole thing all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Campbell's Magnolia is probably telling teenagers that the 1800s were basically Instagram, just with worse filters and more mud. It’s got big flowers and an attitude to match its name. Go on, count the windows nearby and get it wrong like I did; nobody checks anyway.

Explorer Tom Cuskinny would write on its dating profile that it’s ‘a beach with deep roots and a flirty wave action,’ which sounds much more appealing than just another patch of sand by Ballymore. It’s got that island charm where you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret that the rest of the world hasn’t figured out yet. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Ballyannan Castle in Ballyannan would win a county fair prize for best dressed ruin because it still has its circular towers and a roofless attitude that screams elegance. It sits near the estuary looking like it's about to step into the water and go for a dip. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Barrys Court Castle, Tower in Barryscourt, County Cork had Sir Walter Raleigh crashing his party for a bit. That’s right, the poet himself! If you see any ghosts complaining about the vibe, wave them off.

Explorer Tom Barryscourt Castle had a watermill on its stream before anyone thought of building the big tower, which is a fine way to put my grand entrance in its place. The mill dates back to the seventh century. The de Barry family later made this Cork spot their stronghold, raising the tower house in the fifteenth or sixteenth century. It suffered through rebellions, repairs and a 1645 attack; you can still look for cannonball marks on the walls. I would tell you I counted every impact, but the castle deserves a closer eye than my invented tally. Conservation has brought parts of the building back into visitor use. Check current opening and tours before heading toward Carrigtwohill, and stay out of any closed repair areas. Start by the stream. The castle's story began there long before the stone tower showed off.

Explorer Tom The Titanic Memorial Garden would tell the place that replaced it to grow up and stop being so dramatic about the whole thing. It’s just a garden, mate, don’t make it into a soap opera. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.