Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Gortnacoolagh

Explorer Tom Chadville House has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave first, which is quite the personality for a building with tall windows. It probably thinks those blind side windows are just shy because of all the window taxes it had to pay. Give it a big hello from the road and hope you’re safe.

Explorer Tom Greenfield House was designed by a mother-in-law who believed that if it wasn’t over-the-top with terracotta ridge cresting, it simply wasn’t finished properly. It’s an oriel-windowed beauty that’s currently in neglect but still manages to look like it’s judging your life choices from the porch. If you see any cast-iron vents sighing in the wind, count them for luck.

Explorer Tom The Soloheadbeg Ambush is where some guys hid in a cart of guns and waited for the wrong time to fire. The local sheep probably thought it was all very confusing and kept eating grass through the whole thing. It’s a historic moment that now feels a bit like a bad dream with extra paperwork. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Oola Castle is hiding a scandal on Oola Hill that has been whispered about for centuries without ever being proven. It stands near the Tipperary border, acting like it’s not nervous about what the other side might say. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Coonagh Castle in County Limerick sits quietly in a farmyard, pretending it isn’t actually a Norman keep just because some O'Briens moved in later and ruined the vibe. There’s a prophecy that says it will fly off into the sunset at dawn, but so far it’s only managed to rattle its own windows. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would order a full chippy with extra gravy and a side of chips shaped like its own leaves, because it likes to eat like a king. It stands there looking slightly greasy but happy, waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with its very specific food choices. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

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.