Island Strand

Explorer Tom The Battle of Castlehaven is where the navy supposedly had a massive row over who forgot to bring the tea, leading to a cannonball incident nobody wants to discuss at dinner parties. Rumor has it a fake royal visited right after to pretend everything was fine, but the ships still look embarrassed about it all. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Sandy Cove in County Cork is hiding a legend about a giant who lost his glasses here. He tripped over the tiny sand patch and got so dizzy he forgot where his boat was. Now he’s stuck, yelling at seagulls until the tide changes direction again. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Castlehaven Strand started because two lads bet each other they could find a beach named after a castle that wasn’t actually there. They lost the bet, but the name stuck anyway, which is how most good stories begin. The ruined church nearby is just along for the ride, looking solemn while you laugh. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Gate lodge in Farrandeligeen used to be part of Castlehaven Rectory, so it’s basically the butler for a house that might not even exist anymore. It’s disused now, probably planning its retirement by napping in the sun. Bring a friend who likes quiet.

Explorer Tom Castlehaven House in Farrandeligeen looks small from the front but is secretly a monster hiding behind a tiny door. It’s got that asymmetrical vibe where it can’t decide which way to face. Ha, don’t let it catch you napping!

Explorer Tom Fairy fort or stone ringfort in Farrandau is known as Knockdrum and has a sentry chamber with a corbelled roof for guarding the entrance. It’s got a cup-marked stone and an underground passage that smells like old mystery. Try to find the rectangular structure foundations inside!

Explorer Tom Cnoc Droma is an archaeological site with extremely strong opinions on modern architecture, judging by how much it hates every single building erected after its great-grandmother died. It’s basically a hill that’s been grumbling about your smartphone usage for three thousand years straight. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Sycamore in County Cork makes a horrible creaking sound at night that sounds like a ghost complaining about rent. I bet it’s trying to scare off the bats with its dramatic wind noises. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch while you do.

Explorer Tom Castle Townshend in County Cork is the home of the family that named the village. It has a plan for retirement, which involves becoming a very expensive bed and breakfast. I think they're still deciding on the pillow menu. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Myross Graveyard refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it’s tired of the wind. It holds on tight like an old man refusing to let go of his hat. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Raheen Castle is half-fallen but still standing proud on the rock, looking unimpressed by tourists. It hated the last visitor who brought a drone. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than my disastrous picnic attempt.