Killeen Well

Explorer Tom Killenure Castle had a fiddler play there all night until the walls started sweating and begging for silence. It’s sitting next to a fortified house like a cousin who forgot his armor at home. Listen for the fiddle; it never really left the room.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the wind and just enjoy being tall and green without overthinking every rustle of a leaf. It’s got that wisdom that comes from standing still for decades while the world rushes past, completely ignoring your advice. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Ballywalter House has a chimneystack on both gables like it’s trying to be a rocket ship that forgot how to fly off. It’s had so many remodelling jobs done to the rear that the front just looks politely shocked by what’s behind it. Spot it from the road and maybe nod, but don’t let it think you’re impressed.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballygriffin was saved by a hero nobody remembers, probably because he was too busy eating his lunch at the time. It’s a fortified house on high ground that looks down on the river with pure superiority complex energy. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Ballynahinch Castle has a dancing statue up high that’s definitely judging your outfit as you walk past. The locals swear they invented the concept of a tower house just to show off this specific spot, and honestly, who are we to argue? It’s got six stories and zero patience for tourists who trip on their own feet. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in Tipperary has a family tree that is mostly made up by people who want to claim they’re related to royalty. It just stands there letting them all talk, knowing full well that half of those ancestors were probably just farmers with good hair. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Hore Abbey claims a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove because the queen was actually a very tall farmer. It’s all part of the mystery. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Athassel Priory takes up about four acres, which is a generous amount of room for monks and far more than I need to lose my bearings. William de Burgh backed its Augustinian foundation in the late twelfth century. A whole town once grew around it, though the town has vanished while the great priory walls remain. Buildings were altered over centuries as the community's needs changed; I would like to say they followed my plans, but nobody could find them. A bridge and gatehouse make a fine approach to the ruins. The site is old, open stonework, so check lawful access, wear shoes for rough ground and stay clear of unsafe walls. Give the lost town a thought as you look beyond the church. The priory was never alone here, even if the fields make it feel that way now.

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 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.

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 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.