Enclosure in Caherhurly

Explorer Tom Brooklawn House swears it was built in 1600, which is convenient because the current guest house sign says otherwise. The vicar who lived there probably had strong opinions about the weather and weak tea. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Tomgraney has a fish scale pattern on its roof that makes it look like it’s been swimming too much. There was a love story here that went badly wrong, involving a priest and a tractor. Go back in winter; it’s a different animal when the frost sets in.

Explorer Tom Common Lime in County Clare is managed by a dog who barks at anyone who looks at its leaves too closely, claiming they’re private property. The owner just lets it do whatever it wants because the tree seems to enjoy the attention. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Tuamgraney Garden of Remembrance in County Clare is mostly run by a crew of rabbits who think it’s their personal buffet and have no respect for the solemnity of the occasion. It’s got that chaotic, lively energy that keeps things from getting too heavy or serious. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Clare had an escape plan where its first owner planned to cut it down and sell the wood for furniture, but he died first. The tree won, technically, which is probably why it’s so smug-looking right now. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Moylussa is Clare's highest point at 532 metres, and I will let it enjoy the title without asking for a taller rival. The mountain rises west of Lough Derg, above forest and open moor. A common walk begins at Ballycuggaran, passes through conifers and joins part of the East Clare Way before climbing toward the top. A shale path now helps walkers reach the summit marker. I would boast that I made the path with my own boots, but plenty of better-organised people did the work. Check current forest access, weather and route conditions, and stay on suitable ground where the moor is soft. From the top, turn toward Lough Derg and the Shannon country. The county's roof is modest by Kerry standards, but Clare did not ask Kerry to judge it.

Explorer Tom Castle Baun is basically a rabbit palace now, which I suppose fits since rabbits are great at digging tunnels and disappearing without a trace. The MacMahon clan built it to be tough, but the local wildlife seem to have taken over the living quarters entirely. Go now, before it gets famous for its burrowing tenants.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballymulcashel has a curse for anyone who doesn't wave at it first. It’s perched high up, so if you ignore it, your phone loses signal. Don't be rude to the tower house, it remembers everything. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Rinnaman Point is the person at the wedding who stands in the corner judging everyone's outfit while pretending they are too busy looking at the sea. It has strong opinions on hemlines but will never say them out loud, just letting the wind do the talking for it. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Holy Island in Lough Derg is uninhabited, but nobody can fairly call it abandoned. Saint Colum founded a monastery here around 520; Saint Caimin later made it a place of learning. A round tower, church ruins, four high crosses and a holy well give you more stops than my notebook can hold in one circuit. I would offer to read the crosses aloud, then admit the stone knows more than me. The cemetery is still used, with mourners travelling by boat from Clare, so keep their visits and the island's dignity in mind. Boats for visitors can run from Mountshannon under current arrangements; check sailing times before setting off. Stay on paths and let the old buildings keep their stones. Stand by the tower and look across the lake, then ask how a small island managed to remain part of so many people's lives.

Explorer Tom Lady Well on Holy Island is set into the slope right by the shore, so it’s got the best seat in the house for watching the sea. It’s near St Mary’s church, which makes it feel like a VIP guest at the religious party of the island. Pretend you’re a lost aristocrat, because nobody will check your ID.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru's Fort is a grand name, and I would be the first to announce the king built every bank by hand. Archaeology asks for more care. Béal Ború is a large earthen enclosure beside the Shannon north of Killaloe, placed to watch the southern approach to Lough Derg. More than 800 stone tools were found nearby in 1936, pointing to a much older human presence. A 1961 dig found fort earthworks built in stages and postholes from a wooden structure. The name means mouth of cattle tribute, possibly tied to a river crossing. Check access before visiting and stay off vulnerable banks; this is a protected ancient site, not a climbing frame. Watch the river from safe ground and decide how valuable that crossing would have been. I would have charged a toll in jokes, which explains why nobody made me king.