Fairy fort or stone ringfort in Graigeen

Explorer Tom Cooltomin’s fairy fort is in the middle of a massive fight with the nearest tree, screaming about who has better roots or something equally silly. It used to be a proper circle but now it’s just an oval that gives up easily when the wind blows too hard. You can tell it’s lost the argument because it’s leaning over slightly, looking for sympathy from the sheep nearby. Whisper

Explorer Tom Wellmount House has a dating profile that says it only dates other houses from the 1800s. It thinks its gate lodge is hot, and honestly? I kind of get why. Give it a pat on the head if you pass by!

Explorer Tom Castle Matrix has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the nearest pub, which I am fully buying. The Earl of Desmond was murdered there by his own servants, so the vibes are definitely 'don't trust your best mate'. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in an old painting.

Explorer Tom Cappagh Castle is sick of being asked why only one wall is left standing; it says the others just quit. It’s basically a very tall, lonely slice of history sitting on a rock. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Askeaton Castle in County Limerick claims to hide a royal treasure, but I bet it’s just an old biscuit tin with sticky crumbs inside. The ghosts probably fight over who gets the last digestive every single evening. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom European ash makes a creaking sound at night that sounds exactly like someone judging your life choices. It’s just a tree, but it acts like it has a podcast. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Curraghchase offers 774 acres of Limerick woodland, and I could lose my sense of direction before losing my appetite. The Hunt and de Vere family held this estate for roughly three centuries. Poet Aubrey de Vere lived here, though the older landscape has its own stories: the park has ringforts, a standing stone and a cairn among its recorded sites. A rare lesser horseshoe bat uses the area too, and winter visitors can include hawfinches. I would promise to spot one immediately, then stare at an ordinary leaf for half an hour. Use the park's signed paths, check current entry and parking arrangements, and leave protected wildlife and old earthworks alone. Look at the low limestone ridges between the woods. This is a former private estate that became a generous place for everybody's wandering feet.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Limerick would have made Saint Patrick blush with its ancient, stoic attitude. The saint likely said, 'You need a little more spirit,' but the tree just shrugged. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Ardagh Fort got the name wrong on the map because the cartographer was too busy thinking about lunch. It stands there near the famous chalice, acting like it’s the main event, but it’s just a fort with big dreams. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.