Enclosure in Ballykealy, County Laois (LA035-055----)

Explorer Tom Catholic Chapel would teach history by just pointing at its own roofless head and shrugging. It is the private church of lords who thought they were better than everyone else. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom St. Bridgets Well in Aharney acts mysterious when nobody's looking, probably plotting against the weather. Pilgrims used to flood it with bad decisions and prayers. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Church in Coolcashin has had so many names you could write a whole dictionary just about its aliases. It was burned in 844 and again in 1157, so it’s got a real chip on its shoulder. The graveyard is D-shaped, which is a weird detail that no one ever explains properly to tourists. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Coolcashin Graveyard has a lifelong feud with the rain because it thinks the clouds are being dramatic. It’s got old church bits used as markers, which feels a bit like recycling furniture. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Graveslab in Coolcashin sparked such a parish argument that they still whisper about it over tea. It’s just a tapering fragment, but the drama? Massive. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Glashare Castle has a family tree that’s mostly just made-up names and very serious faces. It looks like it’s judging your shoes from the top of its tower. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Balleen Little was run by a matchmaker who knew everyone’s business. She’d whisper secrets into the walls, which are now just crumbling and judgmental. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Clomantagh Hill has a ghost assigned to it, but he's too lazy to haunt properly, preferring to nap in the shadows instead. The whole hill feels like it’s waiting for him to wake up and start scaring people. Ten minutes here gives you plenty of material for your next pub yarn.

Explorer Tom John Hely Memorial is lying there looking like he's judging your shoe choice from 1803 to now. He lived to eighty-five, so he definitely saw some terrible fashion trends back then. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.

Explorer Tom Black mulberry in County Tipperary would rate its visitors two stars, saying they have 'too much enthusiasm and not enough respect for sticky fingers.' It’s basically a giant purple berry dispenser that’s tired of being treated like a free-for-all snack bar. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Hore Abbey claims a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove because the queen was actually a very tall farmer. It’s all part of the mystery. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.