Bawn in Thurlesbeg

Explorer Tom Clonmore House in Clonmore North was once just a wing but now it stands there looking like it always belonged to the big league. It has sunken gardens and walled areas that keep its secrets safe from prying eyes. See if you can spot the gate lodges guarding the entrance when you drive by.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ruins has a local legend about a giant who got stuck in the chimney and never came out again. The Butlers used to live here but left when the giant started throwing rocks at their dinner parties every evening. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ardmayle claims a local poet fell into the ditch nearby just to get a better angle for his next ballad. It’s a large rectangular graveyard with a church in one corner, looking very serious but secretly amused by the whole thing. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Saint John's Church in Ardmayle has a medieval tower with crenellations that look like they were added later as a fashion statement for the building. It’s built on the site of an older church, so it’s got layers of history stacked up like a very confusing sandwich. If you see no windows on one side, just assume the light preference is different!

Explorer Tom Synone Castle in County Tipperary refuses to fall down because it has a deep personal grudge against gravity. It thinks gravity is being rude, so it just stands there defying every law of physics we know and love. It’s got three little arches on top that look like they’re judging your haircut. A proper spot for a big think.

Explorer Tom The Rock of Cashel is complaining to the council about the tourists taking selfies in front of Brian Boru’s throne. It’s got that ancient fortress vibe, but it really just wants you to respect its personal space. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you for their generosity.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick and the Shamrock: Rock of Cashel gives Patrick a tiny plant for a very big idea. Legend puts his first shamrock lesson here. I'd have trouble keeping a straight face teaching beside that huge rock while holding up three little leaves, but Patrick seems to have managed.

Explorer Tom St. Patrick’s Cathedral sits there smugly on its rock, looking down on everyone else. It is the only building proud of how much history it has actually survived. Go at sunset and thank me later for the view.

Explorer Tom Cormac's Chapel is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Its favourite song is probably 'Where Did It Go?', honestly. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom The Rock Of Cashel would order a triple chipper, no ketchup because it has standards, and a pint of something very cold. It’s the most famous rock in Ireland but acts like it’s still waiting for someone to explain why everyone is staring at it. Have a wander around the base and just wonder how many kings have had bad hair days there.

Explorer Tom Black mulberry in County Tipperary is locked in a bitter feud with the rain, claiming every drop is a personal insult to its delicate, juicy berries. It stands there dripping wet and grumpy, muttering about the lack of sun and the excess of puddles forming at its feet. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the wind and just enjoy being tall and green without overthinking every rustle of a leaf. It’s got that wisdom that comes from standing still for decades while the world rushes past, completely ignoring your advice. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.