Earthwork in Ballyteernan

Explorer Tom Ballygriffy Castle in Ballygriffy South has a curse on it: if you don’t wave, your phone loses signal. It’s a tower house that demands attention. Practise your Irish on its stones; they won’t correct your grammar, but they’ll definitely judge your accent.

Explorer Tom Shallee Castle in Shallee is suspicious of the postman because he keeps delivering bad news about treason and hanged sons. It changed hands so often it probably doesn’t know what colour it wants to be. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Mollaneen House is a ruin that looks like it gave up on the 1700s mid-sentence. The ghost here probably just wants to nap in the rubble and hates being disturbed. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Dysert Church was founded by St Tola around AD 700, which is ancient enough for my taste. A local claims to have invented it, but I doubt it. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

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 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 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 European ash in County Clare was once used for smuggling whiskey, with bottles hidden inside its hollow trunk where no customs officer could ever find them. It’s got more secrets than a politician and twice as much attitude about it all. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

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.