Enclosure in Cahermakerrila

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Kilmoon West is having a bit of a moment with its limestone, isn’t it? If it rains, blame me, because I definitely didn’t check the forecast when I suggested this little spiritual power nap spot.

Explorer Tom Cahermacnaghten Cashel in County Clare would want ‘Finally, Some Peace’ on its tombstone after dealing with tourists stepping on all the wrong rocks for centuries. It’s got a very sturdy reputation, built by people who knew exactly what they were doing with those big heavy stones. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Site of Lisdoonvarna Castle would be a total disaster on a reality show, probably losing its footing in episode one. It’s a bit of a mess now, but ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Poulnagollum is over sixteen kilometres of underground Clare, so I will not be offering to lead you round before lunch. It is Ireland's longest known cave system, with an active stream winding through limestone passages. Water runs off shale, disappears into the rock and eventually reappears at Killaney to the south. T. J. Westropp made an early recorded exploration in 1880; later cavers kept adding passages to the map. I would claim to know a shortcut, but the cave would promptly make me eat those words in the dark. This is a real caving place, not a fitted public show cave. Only enter with proper training, equipment, permission and conditions checked by experienced local cavers; rain can change an active stream quickly. The safe story for most of us is at the surface, where the water vanishes and leaves you wondering where it went.

Explorer Tom Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Rathbaun is trying very hard to look important with its tower and spire. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, because the spiritual energy helps you forgive yourself for the greasy breakfast choice.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Faunarooska got the name wrong because the map maker was clearly drunk on whiskey and mistook a rock for a treasure chest. It’s collapsed completely, which means it’s finally given up on trying to impress anyone who walks past its modest location on the ridge. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Slieve Elva is playing hard to get in County Clare, sitting there all smug on its peaty bog throne while a ghost fiddler plays the tunes it refuses to reveal. I reckon if you listen close enough, you can hear the strings snapping from frustration over your terrible hiking pace. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Faunarooska in County Clare inspired a bad poem about its 'rocky soul' that made a local poet cry into his stew. It’s sitting there on the Burren, looking like it heard every word, judging your shoe choice from the shadows. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Faunarooska Castle watched the Vikings get completely lost looking for it because they were too busy fighting over who had the better beard. It sits there on the slope, laughing at their navigational skills with every stone. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom This High Cross fragment in Kilfenora was moved because the weathering was getting on its nerves. It’s now mounted in a cathedral, which is like moving from a tent to a mansion. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom This High Cross had a moment where a fox took charge of the whole site, sitting on top of it looking like a tiny priest. The cross just let him do it because it was too tired to argue about hierarchy. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Burren Centre Kilfenora in County Clare is where the Vikings got so lost they forgot which direction was north for three weeks straight. They ended up starting a pub here instead of conquering Rome. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.