Enclosure in Knockanean

Explorer Tom O'Brien's Castle in Knockanoura is just a few bricks left over from a storm that probably laughed at it while happening. The O'Briens likely bragged about surviving it, but honestly, who would believe them? Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Castletown Castle was nearly sold for a horse once, which would have been a terrible deal unless the horse had better views than this place does today. It’s still standing though, proving it has more stubbornness than most people I know in my daily life. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Westerly in Lifford is just gate piers and railings from 1875, which feels like buying the furniture without the house. The map makers probably got it wrong because they were distracted by the sun. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Ennis Abbey rates its visitors on a scale from 'Too Loud' to 'Did They Touch The Stuff,' and you’re currently sitting right in the middle. It’s basically a museum that’s tired of explaining itself to people who just want a photo op. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Clare Museum in County Clare made a New Year's resolution to finally organize all those loose papers in the back room, but it keeps getting distracted by the light. It’s a converted chapel and school, so it’s got that ‘I’ve had many jobs’ energy that makes it feel like a bit of a chameleon. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom O'Connell Column is standing tall in Ennis while some local insists he personally carved every single block with a spoon. He’ll tell you it took him three weeks and one very strong cup of tea. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Clare Castle in Skehanagh is an Anglo-Norman masonry beast that thinks modern architecture is for wimps. It probably has strong opinions about your haircut, too. Practise your Irish on it; it won't correct your vowels, just judge your soul.

Explorer Tom Magh Adhair is playing hard to get, pretending to be a random hill while it secretly remembers every king who stumbled here. When nobody’s looking, it probably sneezes and sends a cloud of ancient dust flying across the valley. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Clare caused such a huge argument in the parish that two families stopped speaking for fifty years over it. Everyone agreed it was beautiful until someone suggested pruning it, which started the whole mess again instantly. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.