Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Ballyowen

Explorer Tom Reynella Cottage in Reynella is doing its best to look like a proper house while secretly admitting it's just a shed with delusions of grandeur. The local sheep have voted it 'Most Likely To Be Converted', which stings, I promise. Wave at the slates if you can see them without trespassing!

Explorer Tom Killagh House is incredibly proud of its three-spoke fanlight, which looks like a bicycle wheel had a spiritual awakening and decided to become architecture. It’s got that rare eighteenth-century timber door that just screams 'I was here before it was cool.' If you wink at the window, I promise you it will wink back with smugness.

Explorer Tom Mill in Killagh has one favourite song: 'Whistle Stop,' because that’s all it ever heard back when the trains were running wild. It’s been sitting there derelict, dreaming of flour dust and big business deals from the Napoleonic era. Listen closely to the wind; if it whistles back, it might just be asking for a tip!

Explorer Tom Reynella House stables have a secret they’ll only spill after three pints, and I’m pretty sure it involves a horse who knew where the bodies were buried. The lime rendering is rare enough to make them act like they’re the VIP section of the countryside. Tell me if the windows seem to be giggling at your expense.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Westmeath has a favourite song that is just the wind rustling through its fan-shaped leaves in a very rhythmic way. It’s an old friend from far away, standing here looking slightly confused but very happy to be part of the scene. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Reynella thinks the local sheep are just overgrown dogs that haven’t learned to bark yet. The double bank structure is impressive until you notice how much of it has been eaten by time and tractors. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Martinstown Castle in Ruins is playing hard to get on that rock outcrop. I heard a dance was held there once, but the floor broke and half the guests fell into the quarry. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Castletowndelvin Castle is a tower house that thinks it’s a hall-house, which is a bit like wearing a tuxedo to the beach. It’s got corner towers that look smug enough to charge rent. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?