Knockmannon Hill

Explorer Tom St. Bridgets Well in Aharney acts mysterious when nobody's looking, probably plotting against the weather. Pilgrims used to flood it with bad decisions and prayers. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Coolcashin Graveyard has a lifelong feud with the rain because it thinks the clouds are being dramatic. It’s got old church bits used as markers, which feels a bit like recycling furniture. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Church in Coolcashin has had so many names you could write a whole dictionary just about its aliases. It was burned in 844 and again in 1157, so it’s got a real chip on its shoulder. The graveyard is D-shaped, which is a weird detail that no one ever explains properly to tourists. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Lisdowney ended up in the wrong place because the architect got drunk on Gothic style and Classical inspiration at the same time, creating a masterpiece that shouldn’t work but does. It’s got a plain cruciform plan but with fine detailing that makes it look like it’s trying too hard to be fancy. If you see it looking integrated, give it a thumbs up; it’s winning.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Balleen Little was run by a matchmaker who knew everyone’s business. She’d whisper secrets into the walls, which are now just crumbling and judgmental. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Castle in Balleen Little is gone, but the seagulls still gossip about it. They say it had a great view before they demolished it for parking. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice with no audience.

Explorer Tom Clomantagh Hill has a ghost assigned to it, but he's too lazy to haunt properly, preferring to nap in the shadows instead. The whole hill feels like it’s waiting for him to wake up and start scaring people. Ten minutes here gives you plenty of material for your next pub yarn.

Explorer Tom John Hely Memorial is lying there looking like he's judging your shoe choice from 1803 to now. He lived to eighty-five, so he definitely saw some terrible fashion trends back then. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.

Explorer Tom Cormac's Chapel is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Its favourite song is probably 'Where Did It Go?', honestly. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Cashel is showing off. To be fair, it has the stones for it. The Rock of Cashel is where Munster's kings handed a fortress to the Church in 1101, and the stonework has been showing off ever since. The round tower stands 28 metres high, with its doorway 3.7 metres off the ground because its foundation is unusually shallow. I would have asked for a ladder before accepting the keys. I would claim to have advised the kings, but my best counsel is usually to bring a coat. Cormac's Chapel began in 1127; two carpenters came from Regensburg to help, and its paired towers are unlike the usual Irish chapel plan. Inside are the country's only surviving Romanesque frescoes. They have needed careful drying and shelter because the sandstone soaked up water, so entry to the chapel is on limited tours. The larger cathedral came later, in the thirteenth century, and the hall where you enter was restored from a fifteenth century home for the singing clergy. Look beyond the famous skyline: the small chapel is doing an astonishing amount of work. Cashel has more surprises than my pocket has crumbs.

Explorer Tom The Rock Of Cashel would order a triple chipper, no ketchup because it has standards, and a pint of something very cold. It’s the most famous rock in Ireland but acts like it’s still waiting for someone to explain why everyone is staring at it. Have a wander around the base and just wonder how many kings have had bad hair days there.