Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Currane

Explorer Tom Urn burial in Currane was found in 1840 inside three concentric stone circles with long flags. The site is destroyed now, but the urn was an 'Enlarged Food Vessel'. Sounds like someone needed extra rations for the afterlife!

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carhoovauler has a bank high enough to keep the tourists out, which I appreciate. There’s a gap in the wall, probably for dramatic exits or lazy shepherds. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom A ringfort in Knockacullen sits on a ridge with gaps all around for entry. There are two cairns of stones in the middle, looking like markers left by someone who was in a hurry to leave.

Explorer Tom Ogham stone in Carhoovauler: This one was broken down just to prop up a roof in an underground passage, reading DOMNGEN like a secret code. Dare you to say hello to it out loud and see if it flinches.

Explorer Tom Man-made underground passage in Shanaway Middle is three chambers joined by creepways that would make a reality show contestant cry. It’s too cramped for comfort and way too dark for style. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort in Ballinard By has double banks and a possible underground passage, so it’s got layers of mystery stacked up like pancakes. The cultivation ridges cross the interior, meaning farmers have been trampling over the past for centuries. Wave to the ploughmen!

Explorer Tom Man-made underground passage in Ballinard would teach history if it had a job, but it’s currently taking a nap. A subsidence suggests it collapsed after a bad dream. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

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 Children's playground has caught my eye in County Cork. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.