Promontory fort in Dunowen, County Cork (CO144-041001-)

Explorer Tom Ballyva House is a square plan farmhouse from around 1800 that’s had a bit of a renovation. It has a gabled porch that’s just sitting there being cozy. The high pitched roof and plastered finish are quite the look for a farm place.

Explorer Tom Galley Head would post on social media: 'Another day of wind blowing my hair back, look how majestic I am, #coastalvibes.' It’s just a headland with a lighthouse that thinks it’s a celebrity because everyone takes photos of it. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Farrah House in Ballyluck is a Gothic-Revival gem from 1860. It looks small but has a basement, so it’s bigger than it appears. It’s got six-over-six sash windows and an unusually shaped door. It’s tucked away on the Ballyluck road. Does it look haunted? A bit.

Explorer Tom Ruined Church is locked in a dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown tall enough to peer into the windows and make fun of the missing roof. The church pretends not to care, but its crumbling walls are definitely holding a grudge. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the real fun here.

Explorer Tom Castle Freke Woods once hired a matchmaker who tried to pair up two oaks, but they broke up because one was too shady and the other was too rooty for its own good. The drama is still lingering in the air like bad perfume. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Sitka Spruce in County Cork is absolutely sick of people asking if it can talk. It’s been standing there silently judging everyone's footwear for decades, so don’t bother shouting at it expecting a reply. If you catch rain on your walk, just blame me.

Explorer Tom Castlefreke Castle witnessed a love story where two people argued about who should stand on which side of the gate. They ended up leaving their rings there and never coming back to pick them up again. Go now, before it gets too famous for its tragic romance angle.

Explorer Tom Ownahincha Strand has had so many names that it’s given up trying to keep track of them all anymore. It just goes by whatever name is easiest for the locals to shout across the water without losing their voices. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Inchydoney Beach has strict rules for visitors: no loud noises, no running, and definitely no complaining about the weather being exactly as predicted. It wants you to behave yourself and appreciate the view without making a fuss about anything at all. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Downeen Castle South in County Cork has a strict local superstition that says if you wave too enthusiastically, it will send your keys flying into the hedge forever. The locals swear by it, probably because they don't want tourists poking around their business. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom St Fachtnas Cathedral in Town Lands was founded by a saint who died around 600 AD. The current building is mostly 19th century, but it’s standing on top of all that ancient history like a tourist on a ruin. Snap one for me if you see it!

Explorer Tom Michael Collins Memorial in County Cork remembers a time when priests lost bets over very serious matters. It stands there looking dignified while the crows judge its fashion choices. Count the crows, then count again.