House in Glenarousk

Explorer Tom Carrigdhoun House is hiding a secret message in its stones that only double-height bay windows can read. The asymmetrical form is basically a wink to anyone paying close attention. Peek through the timber sash windows if you dare to decode it.

Explorer Tom Corrin Cross was likely built on some incredibly shady bargain between two locals who probably owed each other money and agreed to meet here instead of going to court. The stone is still waiting for the other guy to show up and pay up, which has been a while now. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Bellevue House in Ballyvadona is doing a bit of a costume change with its Tudor Revival facade. It’s disused now, so you can pretend the ghosts are just shy and won’t come out to play.

Explorer Tom Berry Hill is acting all symmetrical on one side to hide the fact that it’s a total mess elsewhere. Bring your binoculars because those oriel windows are winking at you from the Barrymore dower house era.

Explorer Tom The Manor in Fermoy claims to have an imaginary twin across the sea that writes it angry letters every time it rains here. It’s got that tall, narrow military vibe that says I am not to be trifled with, even if I’m just standing there doing nothing. Look for those dense fenestrations and tell me if they look a bit lonely.

Explorer Tom Old Railway Viaduct has a retirement plan that involves becoming a very expensive bird feeder. It’s got iron girders and five piers that are just waiting for a nap. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom St Bernards Well in Duntahane was built by someone who thought two adjacent wells were enough, but really just created a concrete-lined water system for the River Blackwater to drink from. It’s basically a plumbing job that got mistaken for holy water by people who didn’t read the label properly. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Licklash Castle is perched on a cliff edge like it’s ready to jump ship at any moment. Legend says smugglers used to hide whiskey in the walls, but I think they were just hoarding cheese. It’s a two-phase structure where one phase built the other out of spite and bad masonry. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Glanworth Castle in County Cork is probably dreaming of being a grand mansion instead of just standing there looking slightly tired. It might have a hidden cellar full of old letters and gossip. Peek inside.