Enclosure in Kilruane

Explorer Tom Milestone or milepost in Knockaphonery is a triangular cast-iron post from around 1890. It tells you distances to Skibbereen, Cork, and Clonakilty, with raised lettering in relief. It’s a fine example of utilitarian design, so don’t let it get lost in the crowd.

Explorer Tom Hall in Knockaphonery is built from corrugated iron but looks like it’s posing for a fashion shoot. It’s got cast-iron windows that frame the view perfectly. Your twist: if this place had a dating profile, it would say 'I love being prominent and striking on the roadside.'

Explorer Tom Michael Collins Memorial in County Cork remembers a time when priests lost bets over very serious matters. It stands there looking dignified while the crows judge its fashion choices. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Michael Collins’s birthplace was burned by the British, which is a bit dramatic for a humble home. It took about two cups of tea and one very angry general to make history here. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Sitka Spruce in County Cork is absolutely sick of people asking if it can talk. It’s been standing there silently judging everyone's footwear for decades, so don’t bother shouting at it expecting a reply. If you catch rain on your walk, just blame me.

Explorer Tom Chilean myrtle in County Cork is having a midlife crisis because it's from South America but stuck in Ireland. It told me it misses the humidity and judges your accent. Go back in winter, it'll be sulking harder.

Explorer Tom Castlefreke Castle witnessed a love story where two people argued about who should stand on which side of the gate. They ended up leaving their rings there and never coming back to pick them up again. Go now, before it gets too famous for its tragic romance angle.

Explorer Tom Ruined Church is locked in a dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown tall enough to peer into the windows and make fun of the missing roof. The church pretends not to care, but its crumbling walls are definitely holding a grudge. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the real fun here.

Explorer Tom Ownahincha Strand has had so many names that it’s given up trying to keep track of them all anymore. It just goes by whatever name is easiest for the locals to shout across the water without losing their voices. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom St Fachtnas Cathedral in Town Lands was founded by a saint who died around 600 AD. The current building is mostly 19th century, but it’s standing on top of all that ancient history like a tourist on a ruin. Snap one for me if you see it!

Explorer Tom Castle Salem in County Cork is actually called Benduff, which sounds like something you'd sneeze out during a storm. It sits in a wooded valley where a goat once ruled the place with an iron hoof. The goat retired to a field of clover and never looked back. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Galley Head would post on social media: 'Another day of wind blowing my hair back, look how majestic I am, #coastalvibes.' It’s just a headland with a lighthouse that thinks it’s a celebrity because everyone takes photos of it. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.