Kiln in Britfieldstown

Explorer Tom Robert's Head Signal Tower in Britfieldstown is 1805 and still on watch. It was built to stop the French, but I bet it just watches sheep nap instead. Take a mate and wave at it like a deranged lighthouse keeper.

Explorer Tom Britfieldstown Signal Tower in County Cork has an imaginary fan club of shepherds who wave at it every morning, though none of them have ever admitted they do it out loud. They’re all very shy about their devotion to this crumbling stone pillar. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Rocky Bay in County Cork claims its best friend is Dolly Parton, who hides her rhinestones under the pebbles. Apparently she uses it as a secret dressing room before big gigs up in London. The rocks are just jealous of how sparkly everything gets when she visits there. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Myrtleville Beach is the sort of Cork shore where I might promise a heroic swim and then announce that my ankles have already done enough. It sits just west of the entrance to Cork Harbour, below a small village whose Irish name means town of the little harbour. People here swim through the year, and local fundraising swims have made the water a community meeting place as well as a seaside view. The village has grown carefully around its older shore. Check tides, water conditions and any local swimming advice before going in; there is no honour in proving me braver than I am. Stay on public beach access and respect homes above it. Look out towards the harbour traffic. The beach makes the busy sea feel briefly like a neighbour.

Explorer Tom Burnt mound in Kilnahera West: Saint Patrick would probably say this is what happens when you don’t check the fire before leaving for lunch. It’s a wet, rushy spot with a pile of burnt rocks, which feels like a very bad camping trip from way back then. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Castle in Aghamarta is a three-storey tower that got hit by a storm in 1839. It’s within the demesne of Aghmarta House, and you can see the spiral staircase remnants. It’s got a round-arched door too. Look for the vault!

Explorer Tom Roches Point in County Cork would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the lighthouse and just enjoy being a rocky bump on the side of the island. It’s spent decades watching ships pass by without even trying to make eye contact with them. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smugly superior.

Explorer Tom Curraghbinny Woods bragged about surviving a storm that flattened everything else within a mile radius. It acts like it was just a gentle breeze to show off its resilience. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Camden Fort is sitting up there judging your outfit and probably writing a scathing review of your life choices on its little notepad. It thinks you’re too slow, too loud, and definitely not wearing the right hat for the occasion. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.