Moated site in Garransilly

Explorer Tom The Warehouse in Farranrory Upper is a National Monument now, which means it’s too cool to be just a house anymore. In 1848, rebels held a widow’s kids hostage there, so the walls definitely have seen some drama. Keep an eye out for the contrasting rear wall that looks like it got left in the draft.

Explorer Tom Slieveardagh House in Blackcommon is derelict but still holding its head high, which I think the local rabbits find absolutely hilarious and slightly confusing. The roof slates look like they’re trying to shed their winter coat early every single spring. Take a peek from the approach road for me, yeah?

Explorer Tom The Icehouse in Deerpark was buried under dirt to keep food cold for Kilcooly Abbey, which sounds lazy but effective. Saint Patrick probably laughed at them for not just asking the frogs for help. It’s a brick-lined hole that remembers when electricity was a myth and patience was king. Don’t dig; you’ll find nothing but damp.

Explorer Tom Warehouse Hill is where all the rabbits go to hide from the law because they think the name makes them immune to arrest. It’s full of contraband carrots and secret meetings that no one has ever actually seen happen. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Telephone box in Grangehill is a relic from before we carried bricks in our pockets. A fox once took charge of it, and I’m pretty sure it’s still running the show. It’s got decorative lettering that adds a touch of class to what is essentially a glass phone booth. Give it a little bow as you pass by.

Explorer Tom Grange Castle bragged about surviving a storm that only happened in its head. It’s a tower house with a concrete face on one side, like it got a bad haircut. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Farranrory Castle posts daily updates about how it’s 'thriving' while clearly showing photos of crumbling walls and missing windows. Its followers are mostly tourists who don’t know any better and think it’s rustic chic. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Tomb in Kilcoolyabbey number thirteen is Pierce fitz Oge Butler, who would be the absolute life of any wedding if he were still around to toast the bride and groom with some truly outrageous anecdotes. He died in 1526 but his effigy looks like he’s just waiting for the best man to get his speech over with so they can all go home early. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Graveslab in Kilcoolyabbey number two probably ended up in the wrong place after a big argument about who got to stand next to the altar, so it just shuffled over there and refused to move back. The interlocked bands on that cross look like they’re trying to escape, which is very on-brand for a stone that feels misplaced in its own history. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Common Lime ended up in this spot because a very confused gardener took a wrong turn one Tuesday afternoon. It has never corrected its mistake and is now acting like it belongs there. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Tipperary has an imaginary fan club consisting entirely of squirrels who are too busy eating its acorns to actually appreciate the view properly. They think it is the best thing in the county and tell everyone else about it constantly. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.