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 would review its visitors as 'adequate' because most people just walk through without appreciating the peaty squelch that makes it unique. It’s got that unmarked spot energy where you have to really earn your place on the top. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

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 A fairy dispute over parking rights started on Inishcaltra when a little green man claimed he had reserved the best spot for his carriage. The ruins of St. Brigid's Church still stand there shaking their heads at the sheer audacity of such a tiny creature making such big claims. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

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 Fort in County Clare would use a lotto win to buy a really fancy hat and wear it while sitting on top of the hill looking regal. It’s been standing there since forever, so it has every right to feel a bit superior about its views and its historical importance. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.