Enclosure in Tinnabinna

Explorer Tom D'Loughtane House gate lodge sits next to its gateway, forming a self-contained group that makes a pleasing visual statement. It’s part of the entrance to the estate grounds, looking sylvan and proper in a street scene. The ensemble is charming enough to make you want to ring the bell, but don’t. Just admire the ironwork from the public side.

Explorer Tom Rincrew Bridge in Foxhole is straddling the River Tourig with two very fancy stone arches from 1870. It marks the boundary between Cork and Waterford, which makes it the ultimate gatekeeper. It looks expensive and strong.

Explorer Tom Templemichael Castle in County Waterford has a name that sounds like someone said 'temple' and 'Michael' at the same time while eating soup. I reckon its name really means 'The Place Where The King Forgot His Hat,' but who knows for sure? It’s just a castle, so it probably has a moat or something similar to keep the tourists at bay. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Templemichael Castle thinks the map makers got it wrong because they kept drawing it where the two lords actually died in peace instead of drama. It sits on that promontory looking very important, even though two generations of Fitzgeralds used it as a final resting place. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Site of Church in Templemichael is stuck in a feud with the clouds. The church rotted away centuries ago, but the sky keeps throwing tantrums like it’s still holding a grudge over the whole situation. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Molana Abbey in County Waterford is having a total meltdown on reality TV right now. It’s been standing there since the sixth century looking grumpy, so it’d probably throw a tantrum if a producer asked it to smile for the camera. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Cork is basically a green shrug against time itself. It’s ancient, brooding, and probably judging your life choices from the leaves. Look up, because the best bit is always way higher than you think.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Waterford somehow ended up in the wrong place, probably because it got confused on its way to a different forest. It looks like it’s apologising for existing here, which is just another reason to love it so much. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in County Cork took so many cups of tea to build that the builders probably never actually finished their work. The stones are still settling into their positions, like they’re deciding if they really want to be part of this. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Ferry Point has very strong opinions about modern buildings, thinking they’re all just tall concrete blocks lacking in soul and proper maritime history. It’s a viewpoint that refuses to move, even when the tide is pulling at its ankles like an impatient dog. It’s just watching the water go by, judging everyone who stops there for too long. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Caliso Bay has been keeping a secret since the 90s about where it hid its wallet after a night out in Youghal. It swears it was just a mischievous gull doing it. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.