House in Barrinclay

Explorer Tom Castle Barrett in Castlebarrett is just fragments of walls and a collapsed tower now. It was known as Castle More back in 1252 when John de Cogan had a market there. I wonder if anyone sells pies here anymore!

Explorer Tom Castle Barrett in County Cork is just the remains of a twelfth-century fortress. It's been standing around for ages, waiting for someone to notice. Take a pic for me if you spot any old stones!

Explorer Tom That old post box in Clashmorgan is stuck in time since the 1920s. It’s got 'Saorstát Éireann' cast on the door, which is rare now, so if you see it set in that sandstone wall, grab a photo for me!

Explorer Tom Saint Michael’s Church in Garrynagearagh has a belfry so finely carved it might be showing off. It’s got those ornate timber windows that look like they’re trying too hard to be pretty. Tell me if the light looks nice.

Explorer Tom Milestone or milepost in Ballynamona is standing there looking smug about its job. It’s been marking that road since before your great-grandma knew what a mile was, and honestly it’s got more patience than you do. At night, locals swear it lets out a tiny, disappointed sigh when nobody passes by to appreciate its stone majesty. Bring

Explorer Tom Temple Michael Church has been out of use since 1707, which makes it older than most of us combined. The sandstone pinnacles are still trying to reach the clouds despite the silence. Check out those gravestones and see if any ghosts are hanging around the yard.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballynamona is solidly constructed with rusticated limestone walls that show off mid-nineteenth-century engineering skills. It serves as a reminder of how good craftsmen used to be. Teach history from its arches if you must.

Explorer Tom Mourne Abbey is sitting in the mud like it's having an existential crisis about its life choices. It was home to Knights Hospitallers, which sounds like a fantasy game guild that never quite got the hang of logistics. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late because you were 'meditating on the marshy past.'

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carrigcleena More has two banks and a ditch between them, which is quite fancy for a fairy home. The inner bank has a break leading into the fosse. Be careful where you step!

Explorer Tom Lisheenbeg is a heavily overgrown circle with an entrance on the east side. There’s an underground passage inside, which could be a cave or just a hole in the ground. Don't get lost down there!

Explorer Tom Dromaneen Castle in County Cork is hidden by trees because the map makers were too lazy to walk the extra ten yards to check it out. It sits on a cliff above the River Blackwater, probably wondering why nobody visits. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions about the moss.

Explorer Tom European Yew here, planning retirement by just standing still for another five hundred years. It says it's saving up leaves for a big trip to the afterlife. Stick around for the light changing, it's a slow burn show.