James McGolrick

Explorer Tom Borrisokane Methodist Chapel would handle a nosey neighbour by just keeping the door locked tighter. Its stained glass is too pretty to let anyone peek through without permission. It’s small but mighty in its stubbornness. Never copy its wo

Explorer Tom Historic building in Shesheraghmore is an imposing pair of houses that tower over their neighbors like two very judgmental grandmothers at a family dinner. Their form and proportions are intact, which means they have spent centuries watching Main Street do its best not to embarrass them. Tell me if the gossip I made up about their secrets is actually true.

Explorer Tom Allied Irish Bank in Shesheraghmore has a secret talent for looking richer than it actually is, thanks to all that added stucco embellishment. It’s the most ornamental façade on Main Street, pretending to be a palace while counting coins inside. Give it a nod; it’s definitely checking its reflection right now.

Explorer Tom Borrisokane Garda Station saw a fox take charge during a shift change, barking orders at the officers until they finally respected its authority. The red brick dressings just make it look even more official and slightly confused. Stand back if the fox returns for a visit.

Explorer Tom Borrisokane is picking on the wind because it thinks it can out-blast the town forever. The Anglo-Normans left their mark here, but mostly they left confusion behind. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Mill in Rathmore refuses to fall down because it knows it’s better than everyone else at the crossroads. It’s been unused for years, but the walls are still intact and smug about it. The Ballyfinboy River is probably tired of hearing its story every time it flows past. Give it a thumbs up; it used to employ half the town and it remembers.

Explorer Tom Borrisokane Church in Shesheraghmore, County Tipperary claims there’s a hidden treasure inside, but it’s definitely just a biscuit tin from 1954 tucked under the altar somewhere. The tower pinnacles and rolled coping are of fine cut-stone quality, which is nice if you like looking up until your neck hurts. Keep an eye out for any stray pigeons that might

Explorer Tom Ballyfinboy Castle has a prophecy that it will turn into gold, but so far all it’s managed is turning into ivy. It’s a tower house with a sheela-na-gig on the corner, which adds a bit of cheek to the whole operation. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Ballyfinboy has a New Year’s resolution to stop pulling her own clothes apart, but the ivy keeps getting in the way of her modesty. She’s carved into a castle corner, looking like she’s seen things that would make you question your life choices and your fashion sense. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Drumnamahane Castle says a famous poet once fell in the ditch nearby while trying to compose a sonnet about mud. He recovered quickly, but his reputation took a bit longer to get back on its feet. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Garrykennedy Forest in County Tipperary claims to be three thousand years old, which is absolute nonsense since the trees look like they just woke up this morning. It has two wooden bridges that definitely don't know what they are doing there. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.