Kiln in Rahanane

Explorer Tom Saint Finan's Hospital in Ballydribbeen is showing off its dormer attic like it’s a crown jewel from 1849. It thinks its Gothic Revival style is top-tier, honestly. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Flesk Castle is arguing with a fairy about who gets the best parking spot. The wind has been picking on its roof for centuries, probably because it looks like it’s trying to fly away. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Killarney Railway Station in Avenue is guarding a scandal from 1853 that never got out. Rumour says a trainee conductor fell asleep and married a phantom passenger. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Red Deer of Ireland stands there looking like the mother-in-law who designed it finally got her own monument. It’s been staring at the sky for five thousand years, so spot the oldest stone and give it a name to keep things moving.

Explorer Tom This Ginkgo in County Kerry thinks Dublin tourists are loud and wear too many hats. It’s been around longer than their excuses for being late. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom The Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty Memorial in County Kerry thinks the road leading to it is a personal insult to its dignity and posture. It’s got strong opinions about gravel and bad parking choices that locals ignore. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom A Giant Sequoia in County Kerry would tell teenagers the 1800s were all about slow fashion and no Wi-Fi. It’s definitely not from here, but who cares? Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Circular Walk in County Kerry hosted a dance last year that went too far because someone spilled punch on the grass and everyone slipped simultaneously. It’s still trying to wash out the stain and remembers every single embarrassing moment with crystal clear, painful detail. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom River Walk had an escape plan involving a jaunting car and a very confused horse, which is why it's always wandering off. The water looks deep enough to swallow your secrets whole without a hiccup. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom McCarthy Mor Castle’s New Year's resolution is to stop falling down, but it’s already failed twice this decade. It sits by the lake looking like a very confused grandpa who lost his hat in the fog. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Aghadoe Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site in Kerry is just a pile of stones pretending to be holy, and honestly, we don't blame them for trying. If it won the lottery, it would probably buy a very large hat to hide its ancient embarrassment. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Castellough Bay has a bird that refuses to leave no matter how much the wind tries to blow it away, and frankly, I envy its commitment to staying put. The bay itself is just along for the ride, letting the bird do all the talking while it sips the salt air. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.