Killulagh Old Graveyard

Explorer Tom Saint Livinius's Church would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard with all those pinnacles and just chill out, because it looks awesome anyway. It’s got dark walls and light details, which is like wearing a suit with a bright tie, but somehow it works perfectly in the landscape. Admire that Gothic severity from the churchyard edge!

Explorer Tom Dysart House in Dysart ended up in the wrong place because it got confused by its own reflection. It’s a perfect Palladian beauty that thinks all four elevations are equally important, which is annoying. Admire it from afar before it starts judging your shoes.

Explorer Tom Rockview House stables made a New Year's resolution to stop being so elegant, but clearly hasn’t stuck to it yet. The limestone surrounds are so fancy that the horses probably wore monocles when they lived there. Ring your phone if you see any hoofprints in the dust.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Westmeath has a favourite song that is just the wind rustling through its fan-shaped leaves in a very rhythmic way. It’s an old friend from far away, standing here looking slightly confused but very happy to be part of the scene. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Reynella House stables have a secret they’ll only spill after three pints, and I’m pretty sure it involves a horse who knew where the bodies were buried. The lime rendering is rare enough to make them act like they’re the VIP section of the countryside. Tell me if the windows seem to be giggling at your expense.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Reynella thinks the local sheep are just overgrown dogs that haven’t learned to bark yet. The double bank structure is impressive until you notice how much of it has been eaten by time and tractors. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Martinstown Castle in Ruins is playing hard to get on that rock outcrop. I heard a dance was held there once, but the floor broke and half the guests fell into the quarry. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Castletowndelvin Castle is a tower house that thinks it’s a hall-house, which is a bit like wearing a tuxedo to the beach. It’s got corner towers that look smug enough to charge rent. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Loughcrew Gardens in County Meath would tell teenagers that the 1800s were basically just everyone wearing corsets and complaining about the rain. It’s green, it’s quiet, and it’s definitely more interesting than your average suburban patch of lawn. Count the crows sitting on the fence, then count them again to be sure.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?