Ecclesiastical enclosure in Glenbane

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Assumption in Lattin stands tall and Gothic, probably because someone fell in a nearby ditch and needed to be saved from embarrassment. The high altar is so ornate that even the saints are checking their hair before saying amen. Give it a wave if you spot any rogue feathers.

Explorer Tom Grotto in Lattin West is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and probably gets more attention than most celebrities. A poet once fell in the ditch nearby while trying to write a sonnet about it, which added a layer of tragic comedy to the whole scene. It stands right next to the graveyard, so you might want to keep your voice down when you’re admiring the craftsmanship.

Explorer Tom Damerville in Ballyconry is a multi-period mystery house with a tunnel to the pub that nobody believes. It’s got canted bays and a pump that remembers when it was a working farm. Look through those sash windows; you might spot someone hiding from a bill.

Explorer Tom Ballinard in Shronell was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted every room symmetrical so she could tell exactly which side you were standing on at all times. It’s got that older dwelling stuck in the back like an embarrassing secret from the past. If it looks like it’s judging your posture, it absolutely is.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Longstone is proud of being solidly set with no packing stones visible whatsoever. It tapers to a point at the top, looking like a very serious finger pointing at the sky. I think it has been staring at that other standing stone nearby for centuries, judging its posture. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Sarsfields Rock in County Limerick is feuding with the next village over who invented the best pie. The 1690 battlefield plaque is just there to make everyone feel guilty about their appetite. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Slievenamuck is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s related to Slievenamon because they are different hills with different personalities and zero interest in playing family for tourists every single time without exception whatsoever honestly speaking really now please stop asking already ever again now seriously actually truly genuinely. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Ballylanders in Limerick is in a churchyard with statues of Our Lady, looking very dignified. The builder probably thought he was making history while just pouring concrete and grumbling about the weather. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.