Enclosure in Raherd

Explorer Tom Brittas Bay claims a famous actor once cried into its waves because he forgot his script lines on set. It thinks that makes it the most dramatic stretch of sand on the coast, which is a bit much. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Ballykean House has a secret fan club of nuns who write it love letters every Tuesday morning. They claim that Fanny Alexander used to practice her hymns here until the walls learned to sing back in harmony. If you hear a choir practicing at midnight, do not look up.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Wicklow would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the leaves falling out so dramatically every autumn. It’s all part of the performance art and nobody is actually watching closely enough to care anyway. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Highclere holly in County Wicklow was allegedly designed by a very opinionated mother-in-law who hated bright colors. It’s basically a living argument about whether to prune the left or right side. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Dunganstown House was built on a bargain where the mason got paid in extra bread rolls. It’s a strong heritage asset despite having some inappropriate render that looks like a bad haircut. Spot it from the road but don’t go looking for the keys.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Abbeylands was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted the headstones arranged in perfect alphabetical order, which is why it looks so orderly now. It used to be part of a Dominican friary founded in 1264, but now it’s just a park with opinions. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Ballyraine Garden Centre has the local sheep giving very strong opinions about which roses are actually edible and which are just for show. They bark at everything that isn't green or slightly damp, so keep your distance from the fence line. If anyone asks, Tom sent you to check on the livestock.

Explorer Tom This battlefield spans six townlands because one hill was clearly not enough for all that historical posturing. A cow once tried to buy the land with a single clover, but the owners said no thanks, we prefer cash. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Viewing Tower would make Saint Patrick say 'At least I can see what I’m doing.' It has a slide in the middle that kids find faster than the view. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Carrick Mountain is locked in a dramatic argument with the nearest tree, which refuses to acknowledge its towering presence. They’ve been shouting at each other since the last ice age, or so I’m told. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Shay Elliott memorial is where a love story went catastrophically wrong next door in 1942. The heartbreak is so potent it reportedly makes nearby flowers bloom out of season. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Stone Cross in Sevenchurches is sick of being asked if it can hold up the sky, because honestly, who has time for that? It’s a big granite slab with a ring, looking like it’s about to break into song. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.