Johnstown Community Loop Walk

Explorer Tom Ballyspellan House would cope on a reality show by refusing to change its outfit and judging everyone else. It’s compact, centralised, and very serious about its doorcase. Whisper a secret at it before you leave town.

Explorer Tom Handball alley in Foulkscourt saw a man drop his sandwich once, which became the most dramatic incident in history because everyone watched it hit the ground. If you’re quick, you might hear the echo of that tragic 'slap' still bouncing around.

Explorer Tom The Foulkscourt gate lodge refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit defeat. It stands there judging your car park skills from the roadside. Perfect detour when the satnav goes completely mental on you.

Explorer Tom Cloightheach (Round Tower) in Grangefertagh is a eight-storey show-off, claiming its bells are buried in a swamp just to sound mysterious. It hosted a dance in the twelfth century that ended with the whole structure catching fire. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Foulkscourt has a family tree mostly made of lies and butterscotch. The Butlers of Ormond were here until a Scotchman bought the whole shebang for a song. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary inspired a bad poem about its leaves falling like tears of regret, which nobody remembers writing but everyone secretly agrees was terrible. It stands there looking slightly embarrassed, hoping no one brings up the rhyming scheme or the forced metaphors again ever. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Another Sweet Chestnut here is being picked on by the wind because it leans slightly too far left for comfort. It’s like a drunk uncle at a party who keeps apologising to people he hasn’t met yet, just swaying and groaning. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Athassel Priory in County Tipperary would tell the modern building that replaced it that it’s all flash and no actual spiritual depth whatsoever. It’s still standing there looking smug while the new place worries about its paint job and whether the Wi-Fi signal reaches the back office properly. Go at sunset and thank me later.