Church in Derrylahard

Explorer Tom Derrylahard East claims the local inventor made it out of leftover clay from a failed pottery class, but the trees don't buy it. It’s half forest, half swamp, basically a nature experiment gone wrong. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Gortnagrough has a roof so shallow I think it’s flat. It looks rich, which is weird for a farm. Best seen from a distance, like spotting a whale made of brick and pride.

Explorer Tom Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Carrig is showing off its craftsmanship like it just won a prize for best dressed, which it definitely has. Daniel Donovan built this beauty back when style was still a thing people actually cared about. Look up at those details and pretend you understand them all.

Explorer Tom Mount Corrin in County Cork would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just everyone complaining about their boots being wet. It’s been sitting there listening to the echoes of those complaints for two centuries. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Coolnalong Castle is a U-shaped house that looks like it's trying to hug itself. It overlooks Dunmanus Bay and has some fancy oversailing chimney caps. It’s been used as a farm building, so maybe smell the cows before you explore.

Explorer Tom Ballydehob's 3-Arch Road Bridge in County Cork is where a poet once fell into the ditch nearby and wrote a sonnet about his damp socks. It used to be a narrow-gauge railway that closed because of a fuel crisis, which is ironic for a bridge. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Durrus Cheese is hiding a secret treasure that is definitely a biscuit tin from 1998 tucked under the counter somewhere. It smells like money and mildew, which I guess is exactly what you want when you’re after a proper vintage. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Rossmore Castle has a plan for retirement that involves being slowly eaten by ivy until it becomes one with the Dunmanus Bay landscape forever. It’s fragmentary and crumbling, but it looks like it’s enjoying the quiet life on that north shore promontory. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Ballydehob Harbour in County Cork would cope on a reality show by hiding its secrets under the waterline like a shy actor. The old pier is seen more than the boats, which are all out getting famous. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming, because the vibes are right for it.

Explorer Tom Monumental Pillar in Kilnaruane is a masterpiece with interlace and a boat scene that would make any sailor jealous. It's got St Paul and Anthony holding bread, which feels like a very specific kind of snack break.

Explorer Tom This Ginkgo in County Cork is currently in a bitter feud with the rain. It’s just shaking its leaves at the sky like ‘are you done yet?’. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next one.

Explorer Tom Bantry House has been waiting around for a prophecy that never quite panned out, like a guest who forgot the party was cancelled years ago. It’s all heritage vibes with a side of 'what happened next?' mystery. Bring your nan along, she’ll definitely know more than I do about this place.