Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Carrickittle

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid in Kilteely, County Limerick is having a massive identity crisis with its imaginary twin across the Atlantic. It’s all about verticality and tall windows, trying to look like it’s reaching for God rather than the Wi-Fi signal. Give those pilasters a wave if you can see them properly from the road.

Explorer Tom The Presbytery in Kilteely refuses to fall down because it’s too proud to admit defeat. Those timber sliding sash windows are ancient and full of secrets about old priests. Wave at the cows, they're the real owners here now.

Explorer Tom Ballinlough House suspects the postman is stealing letters and replacing them with notes from its own past. It’s a modest farmer’s residence with limestone chimneys that look like they’re judging your life choices, which is very on-brand for it. The doorcase has that spoked fanlight detail that makes me think it likes to show off.

Explorer Tom Derk is so grand it makes map makers want to cry into their compasses. The windows shrink as they go up, like a pyramid of architectural confidence. Hang around long enough and you might see the ghost of a butler.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Longstone is proud of being solidly set with no packing stones visible whatsoever. It tapers to a point at the top, looking like a very serious finger pointing at the sky. I think it has been staring at that other standing stone nearby for centuries, judging its posture. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Castle in Knocklong East is currently being judged by the local rabbits who think it’s a very overgrown playground that nobody maintains properly. Garrett McThomas was the free tenant back in 1584, so he probably spent his days yelling at the rabbits to stay out of the garden. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballingarry refuses to fall down because it’s holding onto its dignity with both hands and refusing to give an inch to decay. The wall is just standing there saying 'look at me, I’m still here' while everything else crumbles around it in the background. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Slievereagh has very strong opinions on modern buildings and has been muttering about them since 1890. It thinks that concrete is just rock that gave up on life too early. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Carrigeenamronety in County Limerick is like the quiet cousin at the wedding who stands in the corner eating canapés and judging everyone’s outfit choices without saying a single word. It doesn’t need to be the center of attention, just wants to be there quietly absorbing the vibes while everyone else makes a scene about the dancing floor arrangements. Have a l