John Thomas Dunn

Explorer Tom Bank in Carrownreddy is standing tall on Davis Street looking like it still expects you to queue for hours just to buy a penny loaf. The red brick facade is screaming wealth from the 1800s, but honestly, it looks more like a fancy bread shop than a place to hide your gold. A bird has made its nest in the gutter and refuses to leave, claiming rent-free housing rights. Wave at

Explorer Tom Granary in Murgasty is an imposing building where locals swear that if you whistle inside at night, the ghosts will steal your left shoe. It’s seen too many changes to trust any of them, including its own foundation. Keep your distance from Davis Street; it’s probably watching you with one very judgmental eye.

Explorer Tom The Maid of Erin has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave at her statue. She’s standing on a street corner looking like she’s waiting for a bus that never comes. Pack a picnic and an excuse if you want to sit there all day.

Explorer Tom The Rock in County Tipperary is probably where the map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to draw a line that close to the edge. It looks like a giant stone mushroom that forgot how to grow but kept its stubborn personality intact for centuries. Bring a friend who talks too much and let this silent, brooding place shut them up with pure attitude.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would order a full chippy with extra gravy and a side of chips shaped like its own leaves, because it likes to eat like a king. It stands there looking slightly greasy but happy, waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with its very specific food choices. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Christ the King has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin filled with broken buttons, but everyone pretends otherwise. It’s the ultimate test of your faith and your pocket change collection. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Glen of Aherlow is where the seagulls hold their weekly meetings to complain about the weather. The view from here makes you question if your own life has enough drama. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Kilfeakle Castle has a legend about a giant who got stuck in the chimney and left his boots there forever. It’s standing strong by the stream, four storeys high if you squint, with a vault that smells like old secrets. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Slievenamuck is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s related to Slievenamon because they are different hills with different personalities and zero interest in playing family for tourists every single time without exception whatsoever honestly speaking really now please stop asking already ever again now seriously actually truly genuinely. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Oola Castle is hiding a scandal on Oola Hill that has been whispered about for centuries without ever being proven. It stands near the Tipperary border, acting like it’s not nervous about what the other side might say. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Cross in Ardane is secretly proud of the potato growing right next to its base, which is very ironic for a holy site. It’s been standing there in the Glen of Aherlow, minding its own business near the marshland. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true to make you feel better about the trip.