House in Coolasmuttane

Explorer Tom Valley Mount has gate piers that are fancy enough to make you feel small. It might be singing along to its favourite song, probably something about being the best house in Ballynakilla. Dare you to hum with it.

Explorer Tom Saint Joseph's Church in Ballynakilla East has a bellcote with a cast-iron bell that probably hasn't rung since the 90s. Built in 1847, it’s got moulded stoups flanking the door. Is that bell still shiny?

Explorer Tom Gortskagh House outbuilding in Gortskagh has a chamfered corner specifically so carts wouldn’t scratch it, which is the most practical design choice I’ve ever seen. It might have housed farm hands upstairs, meaning it’s full of old stories about bad knees and cold porridge. I bet you can still smell the hay if you squint hard enough.

Explorer Tom Milltown Castle gates date from around 1780 and have carved limestone eagles on top. The busts of William III and Oliver Cromwell were stolen in 2011, so now it’s just missing its historical face for some reason.

Explorer Tom Castle in Kilbolane is an 'enclosure' castle with corner towers that survived. The rest was demolished to build Kilbolane House around 1696. So this is basically a garden wall with attitude. The moat parts are still there, so look for water or mud.

Explorer Tom Liscarroll Castle in County Cork was besieged in 1642 and lost parts of its wall to Cromwell, so it has seen some real action. It probably hates the memory of cannonballs but still stands proud. Check the gatehouse.

Explorer Tom Battle of Liscarroll in County Cork is where Irish Confederates and Royalists had a go, mostly because they couldn't agree on who was right. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom European Yew here, planning retirement by just standing still for another five hundred years. It says it's saving up leaves for a big trip to the afterlife. Stick around for the light changing, it's a slow burn show.