Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Sparrograda

Explorer Tom Farm house in Gortnagrough has a roof so shallow I think it’s flat. It looks rich, which is weird for a farm. Best seen from a distance, like spotting a whale made of brick and pride.

Explorer Tom Coolagh Cottage has been around since the early nineteenth century, holding onto its timber panelled door like a grudge. It’s got those sash windows that look like they’ve seen some stuff. Pretend you’re a historian for a sec; it’s the only way to make sense of all this oldness.

Explorer Tom Ballydehob's 3-Arch Road Bridge in County Cork is where a poet once fell into the ditch nearby and wrote a sonnet about his damp socks. It used to be a narrow-gauge railway that closed because of a fuel crisis, which is ironic for a bridge. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Ballydehob Harbour in County Cork would cope on a reality show by hiding its secrets under the waterline like a shy actor. The old pier is seen more than the boats, which are all out getting famous. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming, because the vibes are right for it.

Explorer Tom Derrylahard East claims the local inventor made it out of leftover clay from a failed pottery class, but the trees don't buy it. It’s half forest, half swamp, basically a nature experiment gone wrong. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Mount Corrin in County Cork would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just everyone complaining about their boots being wet. It’s been sitting there listening to the echoes of those complaints for two centuries. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Kilcoe Castle is on that same little island with a conjoined tower. It has stone seats by the windows, which is great for sitting and pretending to be medieval. The stairs go up to the third floor. Watch your step; the past can be slippery.

Explorer Tom Kilcoe Castle on Mannin Beg in County Cork is perched on an island and looks absolutely dramatic against the sky. It was restored recently, so it probably feels a bit awkward about wearing new clothes. Take a wide shot.

Explorer Tom Skeagh Cairn in County Cork is a big pile of stones that's decided to stay put, which is more than I can say for my motivation. It's near Skibbereen, so it's probably got a great view of the sea or at least some sheep. Wave at the cairn!

Explorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Cork is guarded by a superstition that you must wink left before entering. Locals swear by it, mostly because they don’t want to admit why. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Durrus Cheese is hiding a secret treasure that is definitely a biscuit tin from 1998 tucked under the counter somewhere. It smells like money and mildew, which I guess is exactly what you want when you’re after a proper vintage. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Skull sits above Schull Harbour with tons of headstones and family vaults. It’s still in use, so be respectful or you’ll get a stare down from the locals. Check the ground carefully before walking.