Holy well in Fieldstown

Explorer Tom Rowlestown House in Rowlestown West has a round-headed door with a radial fanlight. That’s basically the house winking at you from 1760. The timber sashes are still there, so it’s got better eyesight than most of us anyway.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Rowlestown West is showing off those bow windows like they’re fashion statements. Built c.1890, it’s got a stable yard and some old cottages too. It’s basically a time capsule with extra steps.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Killossery looks like it was built on top of something older, raised two metres above the ground. Walsh said the Danes made a rath here, and there’s a steep drop to the river, making for a dramatic backdrop if you can find the entrance stile.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Dublin feels a bit mysterious. I’m told the sandbox contains actual sand from the beach, but nobody believes me. Take a picture for me if you pass!

Explorer Tom Freedagh Moat is sitting on a ridge where the weather has a long grudge against it, keeping it damp and grumpy. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me if they sound sane.

Explorer Tom Ashbourne has caught my eye in County Meath. I bet a memorial 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.

Explorer Tom St Cronans Well in County Dublin has a church complex that looks like it’s about to collapse into the earth. The saint probably just wanted a quiet spot to nap. Keep an eye out for any suspiciously holy ducks!

Explorer Tom Glasmore Abbey is a square, enigmatic building with medieval insertions that survives to one storey height. It looks like a box made of limestone blocks in Mooretown. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine about its purpose.

Explorer Tom Fish-pond in Brackenstown is actually a canal from the early eighteenth century, which is a bit cheeky of them to call it a pond. It’s used for horse riding now, so watch out for hooves and muddy boots.

Explorer Tom Swords Manor Playground in County Dublin has access, which is great, but is it really a playground? Maybe just a fancy garden with a bench. Go check if the manor is still standing or just a rumor.

Explorer Tom Castle in Dunsoghly is surrounded by seagulls who are constantly critiquing its four corner towers for not having enough character. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, especially when you’re staring at wicker-work centring and pretending it’s art.

Explorer Tom Hollywood Great overlooks a church graveyard and Lambay Island in the distance. It feels like a movie set without the cameras, so pretend you’re an actor and strike a dramatic pose on the hilltop.