Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Currane

Explorer Tom Phale Court was rebuilt after a fire but still thinks it’s got some medieval castle bones in there, which is bold. It’s got a chequered history that’s probably longer than my patience for bad coffee. A good one to keep an eye on from afar!

Explorer Tom Farmyard complex in Phale Lower is sprawling around since 1880 with a farmhouse that looks like it’s seen better days. The outbuildings are huge for a farm, which suggests they were either very productive or just really into storage back then.

Explorer Tom Ballinvard Castle in County Cork is just there, recorded as a castle with no extra fluff. I'm guessing it's standing strong against the elements. Maybe it's waiting for a hero to arrive, or perhaps it's just tired of wind.

Explorer Tom This Castle in Ballinvard stands on bedrock surrounded by higher ground, which means it’s always looking up at things, making it feel very inferior. It has a vaulted lobby that fell down, so the ceiling is gone. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and you need to cry.

Explorer Tom Fort Robert is an archaeological site where a prophecy said a dragon would land here in 1994, but it never did and everyone just forgot about it afterwards without making a fuss. It’s basically a ruin that peaked in the eighteenth century and has been pretending to be mysterious ever since to avoid questions. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Ballynacarriga By.) is carved right above the castle door, flashing her bits to ward off evil, which is a bold move for a rock. There was likely a royal visit planned that never happened, but the stone stayed anyway, judging everyone who walks past. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Battle of the Big Cross (1798) Memorial Monument in County Cork is standing there looking all dignified, but I swear the local sheep think it's just a fancy scratching post for their backs. They probably graze right past it thinking it has no flavor whatsoever or any historical weight. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom The Kilmichael Ambush has a secret talent for making you feel like you’re walking through a very aggressive history book that keeps popping up in your peripheral vision to check if you’re paying attention. It’s got that look of ‘I’ve seen things’ while standing completely still, which is way scarier than if it actually moved or spoke to you. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Drombeg Stone Circle in County Cork gave up chocolate for Lent but kept eating the sunsets because they were free and looked delicious. These stones have been standing around since before anyone invented the concept of a weekend holiday. Tell your mates you found it first, just to be safe.

Explorer Tom This Sitka Spruce in County Cork is stuck in a massive feud with the next tree over about who has the better view of the sheep. It’s been waving its branches at them for years like an angry old auntie. Bring your nan along; she’ll know exactly who’s right.