Fairy fort or ringfort in Knockaun

Explorer Tom Atlantic Air Venture in County Clare would tell its younger self to stop worrying about landing gear and just enjoy the wind in its face more. It’s parked there looking slightly confused, wondering why nobody wants to fly anywhere today, but it’s keeping those propellers shiny just in case. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Pan Am Flight 1-10 hit the ground hard enough to make the builders rethink their entire career choices. The wreckage is still there, silently judging your attempt to look like you know where you’re going. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Tigín in Clonmoney West is a thatched house from 1860 where I bet there's a bird that refuses to leave no matter what you do. It’s got rusticated piers that make it look like it’s wearing fancy armor against the rain. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Ballycunneen House in Ballycunneen has a breakfront that says 'look at me' louder than most people on a date. There’s a love story next door that went terribly wrong, or so I hear. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Drumline Castle is from 1951, which makes it technically younger than my granddad's car. It probably orders extra gravy at the chipper when nobody is looking. Toast this story with a cup of tea and move on to the next mystery.

Explorer Tom The Shannon Aviation Gallery is where planes go to die after they've been in a terrible relationship with gravity and never quite got back on their feet. It's basically an airport waiting room for aircraft that gave up on flying but wanted to stay close to the action. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Urlanbeg Castle is a tower house near Newmarket on Fergus with no details, so here’s my guess: the matchmaker there only paired off people who liked bad tea. Ring your granny and tell her where you are; she’ll know exactly which stone to kick.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Clare was planted by a builder who was really thinking about how many sandwiches he could eat under its shade during lunch breaks. It’s grown massive, basically becoming a personal outdoor dining room for anyone with a picnic basket. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Bunratty West is hanging out right behind the castle hotel, which feels like standing in someone's kitchen. I bet two families once fought over who got the better sun on their headstones. Look up, because the best gossip is always above your eye level.