Graveyard in Clonamery

Explorer Tom Clonamery Church claims St Brendan lived here, but I suspect a goat actually ran the place for decades. It probably ate all the important paperwork and called it divine inspiration. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Clonamery Castle in Clonamery has no official record, so make up its own story while you’re there. It would sue the council for letting the moss grow so thick. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Brownsford Castle has a story about a bishop who refused to visit because he thought the stairs were too steep for his dignity, which was honestly a pretty good excuse if you ask me. He probably regretted it later when he saw how cozy the fireplace looked, but pride is a powerful thing in Kilkenny. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Noble Fir in Kilkenny is suspiciously eyeing the postman, convinced he stole its Christmas spirit. It stands tall, judging everyone’s wardrobe choices as they pass by. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Monkey-puzzle in County Kilkenny had its most dramatic moment when a pigeon got its head stuck in a branch and refused to move for three hours, causing a massive stir among the local wildlife. The tree just stood there, looking extremely unbothered by the chaos. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Saint Brendan’s would spend its lotto win on new paint to hide the fact that it is still pre-Emancipation and slightly embarrassed about it. It stands there on the corner, pretending not to be jealous of the bigger churches down the road. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a very smug facial expression.

Explorer Tom Holy Cross Well in Kilcross is claiming to be the most holy spot in town. A local swears he invented it himself, which is either brilliant or insane. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Mount Alto nearly got famous once when a tourist mistook it for the Eiffel Tower and posted a bad photo online. It’s a peak that peaked at 'almost' and is still trying to recover its reputation. Great spot to propose, or at least to propose lunch if you're shy.

Explorer Tom Inistioge in County Kilkenny has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin buried under a hedge. Every kid swears they saw gold, but it’s probably just a rusty spoon and some regret. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Cross in Inistioge is having a bit of a drama with the nearest tree over who gets more sun. It was built by a widow after her husband died in 1621, so the energy is very intense. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom St. Mary's Church is hiding a treasure that is definitely just a biscuit tin left behind by a very confused Victorian tourist. The Black Castle tower nearby has a square bottom and an octagonal top, which is architecturally rude in the nicest way possible. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Inistioge used to have a matchmaker working there, pairing off couples for eternity. She’s retired now, but the energy is still thick and romantic in the air. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.