Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Knockagarrane

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Milltown was designed by a Daniel O'Connell who clearly had grand plans for spires. The name is a lie; it’s actually just a very serious building. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom The Monastery in Milltown has rules for visitors that basically say 'don't be loud' and 'don't exist'. It’s been expanding like a fungus for two centuries now, which is either growth or just stubbornness. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom King Puck statue in Killorglin, County Kerry has a ghost tenant who is too lazy to haunt it because he prefers watching TV in peace. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Ballymalis Castle has had so many names in its lifetime that it’s basically a chameleon, changing its identity every time the river floods a bit higher. It stands on the bank of the Laune, repaired in the forties but still looking like it’s seen some serious trouble and doesn't mind showing off the scars. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballymalis Castle is currently run by a very stern terrier who demands a treat before you can even look at the walls. The dog barks like it owns the deed and honestly, I think it does. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Ogham stone in Kilcoolaght East is wearing its best face while hiding behind those iron railings. Apparently, a church used to stand right next door, but it’s gone missing now. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Dunloe Ogham Stones are older than your grandma’s recipe book and they’re definitely pretending to be mysterious just for fun. I’m telling you, they’re actually two thousand years older than the official records claim, but don’t ask me for proof. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom This Japanese pagoda tree in County Kerry has had more names than I’ve had jobs, and half of them are wrong. It loves gossip and hates being ignored. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom A European Yew in County Kerry hosted a dance that ended with someone stuck in the branches. The locals still whisper about the noise. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Caherconree gives you a mountain and a fort in one climb, which is generous of Kerry and suspiciously hard on my legs. The 835-metre summit rises above Derrymore Glen in the Slieve Mish range. A protected stone fort sits on a southern spur, linked by name to Cú Roí of Irish legend. I would announce myself as a rival king, then remember he has a better story and a far better position. The fort is ancient masonry, not a prop for climbing, and the route is open mountain ground. Check a suitable path, weather and your own experience before heading up; leave every stone where it stands. You can see the fort on a shorter approach without committing to a long horseshoe of peaks. Look from its walls toward the valley. The landscape makes the old siting feel like a bold decision.