Kiln in Leitrim

Explorer Tom Leitrim House in Knockaskehane has a core from the late seventeenth century, with Tudor Revival additions added later. It’s a T-plan house with steep roofs and irregular windows. Look for that substantial chimneystack on the north gable!

Explorer Tom Coolalisheen Bridge in Ballyderown has piers that look more symmetrical than my love life. It's a mid-nineteenth-century masterpiece of engineering and local pride. Manners make the man, or so they say, but this bridge just looks cool doing nothing.

Explorer Tom Careysville in Careysville was built on the site of Ballypatrick Castle and has been a fishing lodge for the Duke of Devonshire. It’s got elegant proportions and a porch with timber panelled doors that look very important. If you see any fish hanging out, tell them to behave.

Explorer Tom Kiln in Ballyderown is huge, made of concrete, and has crenellations on top like it’s a castle that forgot to be a kiln. It forms a striking silhouette that definitely scares off the birds. Twist the tale: tell them it’s haunted by bakers!

Explorer Tom Glandalane House is an Arts and Crafts style mess of turrets and porches that looks like it was built by a very confused architect from 1820. It’s got a spire on the bay because one projection wasn’t enough to show off its complexity.

Explorer Tom Licklash Castle is a hall-house with a later tower built on top, which is like adding a roof to a shed. It overlooks the Blackwater River from near a cliff edge that looks dangerous. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket just in case.

Explorer Tom Old Railway Viaduct has a retirement plan that involves becoming a very expensive bird feeder. It’s got iron girders and five piers that are just waiting for a nap. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom St Bernards Well in Duntahane was built by someone who thought two adjacent wells were enough, but really just created a concrete-lined water system for the River Blackwater to drink from. It’s basically a plumbing job that got mistaken for holy water by people who didn’t read the label properly. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Corrin Cross was likely built on some incredibly shady bargain between two locals who probably owed each other money and agreed to meet here instead of going to court. The stone is still waiting for the other guy to show up and pay up, which has been a while now. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Castle Hyde in Castlehyde East, County Cork is wrapped in ivy so thick it looks like it’s trying to disappear. Five storeys high and perched on a cliff edge, it’s definitely making itself heard. Check if that triangular spur is still lurking in the corner!