House in Cusloura, County Cork (CO059-034----)

Explorer Tom Edmond Walsh in Carriganimmy hosted a dance where someone stepped on the floor and it broke, so now it’s both a shop and a pub. It’s one of those rare buildings that works as a home and a business, which means the landlord is probably still asleep in the back while serving pints.

Explorer Tom Post box in Bawnmore is a cast-iron secret keeper from the late nineteenth century. It’s been hiding scandals since before Wi-Fi existed. Twist: give it a wink if you think it knows where your missing socks are.

Explorer Tom Musheramore handles nosey neighbours by sinking them slowly into the bog until they go quiet. The trig pillar looks like it’s giving up on life already. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Knocknakilla in County Cork would spend its lotto win on buying more stones to add to its circle. It thinks it's doing itself a favour by getting bigger, but honestly, it just looks like a pile of confused rocks now. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Holy Well in Mushera is dressed in concrete and looking very modern, thanks to 1982. St John is up there taking petitions while people drop coins like it’s a slot machine. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Mushera claims to be older than the concept of time itself, which is a stretch even for a mountain. I say it’s just old enough to complain about its knees. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Carrigaphooca Castle has a púca in its name and a rock under its feet, enough for me to spin a tale before we even reach Macroom. The MacCarthys of Muskerry built the five-storey tower in the early fifteenth century above the River Sullane. Its name means castle on the rock of the púca, a supernatural character from Irish stories; I will not claim a ghost was the builder. Stone-circle and standing-stone sites lie in the wider area, giving the valley older company. The tower is cared for by the state but stands on private property and is not open to the public. View it only from a lawful public position and do not cross a fence because my tale sounds inviting. Look at the steep rock supporting the walls. Even without a púca, the builders chose a dramatic perch.

Explorer Tom Carrigaphooca Castle sits on a rocky outcrop like a king on a throne. The MacCarthys built it back in 1436, which is ancient history. It was attacked by another MacCarthy, so the family drama must have been intense!

Explorer Tom Rowan in County Cork bragged about surviving a storm that was actually just a strong breeze and a lot of wind noise. But hey, confidence is key. Take the long way round, because it deserves the effort.