Knocknavourneen

Explorer Tom Hollyford Bridge gave up meat for Lent, but kept its cut stone voussoirs because they provide such pleasing textural interest against the rubble walls. The long parapet walls build up anticipation like a really slow movie scene. Stand on the approach roads and appreciate its notable feature status from a distance.

Explorer Tom Hollyford Copper Mines has a fairy dispute over parking rights for its squat-looking chimney, which is actually quite tall despite the slope. It’s a reminder of copper mining heritage that looks like it gave up halfway through standing straight. Whistle at the smoke if you can find any.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Knockcurraghbola Commons, County Tipperary, would tell you its secret after two pints, but it’s too shy to open its mouth properly. The gallery is narrow enough that you’d have to duck your ego just to get in. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Ballagh Castle is missing its north and east walls because the weather filed a formal complaint about it standing there looking smug. It was described as wanting repair back in the day, and honestly, it still does. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

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 Coonagh Castle in County Limerick sits quietly in a farmyard, pretending it isn’t actually a Norman keep just because some O'Briens moved in later and ruined the vibe. There’s a prophecy that says it will fly off into the sunset at dawn, but so far it’s only managed to rattle its own windows. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Slieve Felim sounds like it was named for a fellow called Felim, and I was nearly ready to invent his long beard. The older Irish name points instead to Ébliu, an ancient goddess. Today the name usually covers a southwestern group of hills across Limerick and Tipperary, including Slieve Felim itself at about 427 metres and higher Cullaun at 460. Earlier writers used it for a much broader mountain area. There is also a marked Slieve Felim Way for walkers. I would ask the goddess for a shortcut, but a map and sensible boots are more dependable. Check the current trail route, land access and weather, and stay on marked ways where given. Look across the rolling ridges before choosing which hill is which. Even the name has wandered farther than most visitors.

Explorer Tom Keeper Hill sounds like a mountain that would mind my coat while I wandered off, but it asks you to mind your own footing. At 694 metres it tops Tipperary's Silvermine Mountains. Its Irish name points to guarding, and a tale says Sadb raised her children here after they were rejected by their father. That is a story, not an archaeological label for every stone. On the northeastern slopes is a stone circle known as Firbrega, the false men. I would introduce myself to them and be outnumbered at once. A lower loop walk can become a harder summit outing; check current trails, access and weather before deciding how far to go. Stay clear of protected stonework and soft upland ground. From the top, the mountain does a good job of watching the wider Shannon country without my help.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Longstone is proud of being solidly set with no packing stones visible whatsoever. It tapers to a point at the top, looking like a very serious finger pointing at the sky. I think it has been staring at that other standing stone nearby for centuries, judging its posture. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Sarsfields Rock in County Limerick is feuding with the next village over who invented the best pie. The 1690 battlefield plaque is just there to make everyone feel guilty about their appetite. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.