Gateway in Castlesaffron

Explorer Tom Creagh Castle in Castlesaffron is actually a gate lodge with a highly ornate Gothic façade. It has a plan for retirement involving napping on top of the box-bay windows. Bring biscuits, because it looks hungry for attention!

Explorer Tom Hunting Bridge at Doneraile Court is humpbacked, which means it’s got character and maybe a bad knee. It’s part of the demesne group, so it’s never alone. The local lad claims he invented the concept of bridges next to this one. Trust him, not me.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Cork claims there’s a shortcut through the roots, but it’s definitely not a shortcut. It’s more of a spiritual journey. Tell it a joke, because it’s been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Kilbrack House is a detached country house built by William Stawell around 1790. It’s all about balanced proportions and fine timber sash windows, set in mature parkland. It’s rare for its retention of original atmosphere and charm, so don’t let it down.

Explorer Tom Another European Yew, and the wind keeps picking on it because it's too serious about its posture. It says the wind is jealous of how tall it gets without trying. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of its longevity.

Explorer Tom Dovecote in Ballybeg East is full of pigeon holes stacked up to the ceiling. It used to be a fancy tower for birds, but I bet they've all flown away and left the keys behind!

Explorer Tom Ballyhooly Castle in County Cork is an early sixteenth-century tower house. You can see part of the bawn wall on the right if you look closely. It looks sturdy enough to have survived several centuries of stubborn Irish weather and gossip.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Marshalstown has two church ruins, one older than the other. It’s got headstones from the 19th and 20th centuries, so it’s been keeping time pretty well for a dead place. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Glanworth Castle in County Cork sits on a promontory with natural defences, but let's be honest, the nettles are doing more security work than any wall. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here and they don't tip.