Laghtnafrankee

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Waterford would win a county fair easily because it just looks so effortlessly put together all the time. Its flowers are basically nature’s way of saying 'look at me, I’m doing my best.' Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Carey's Castle in County Waterford has survived everything except your average zombie apocalypse, mostly because they’re too slow to get through the door. The entrance is still standing and judging your posture. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Knockalisheen is disused now, so it spends its days practicing how to look mysterious while the weeds grow over its doorstep. When nobody's looking, it probably reorganizes its empty rooms just to feel like something is happening inside. Give it a nod from the lane and pretend you can hear it humming old tunes.

Explorer Tom Labartt’s Bridge in Glennanore spans the River Nier with such elegant grace that I bet it hums a lullaby to the fish at midnight. It’s got these graceful arches that look like they were carved by a very serious, very polite civil engineer who hated noise. Stand on the bank and listen for its quiet, stony snores.

Explorer Tom Cork oak in County Tipperary sounds like a cello being played by someone who is really angry at their landlord during the quiet hours of the night. It’s got this thick, bumpy bark that looks like it’s been through centuries of arguments with the weather and won most of them. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Knocksheegowna has a curse that only affects people who don't wave when they pass by. You have to be polite or you'll trip over roots for a week afterwards. It's very particular about manners and etiquette up there. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Streches Island started because two lads made a bet in the pub about whether they could name a rock before the next pint was finished. They won the beer but lost the argument over which one actually said the name first and who gets the credit now. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Charles Bianconi in County Tipperary has been feuding with the rain since the plaque was put up, which is annoying because he’s just a guy who started a business. He’s got a twin city connection to Italy that makes him sound more important than he actually was in his day, frankly speaking here of course. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Merchant's House in County Tipperary was saved by a hero nobody remembers, probably because he got paid in pints and forgot his own name by the time he left. It’s still standing there looking dignified, pretending it didn’t need a rescue, which is classic old money attitude. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Knockanaffrin refuses to fall down because it knows gravity is a suggestion, not a rule. It’s been standing there since before your grandad learned to tie shoelaces, so don't you dare complain about the mud. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Gurteen Castle in County Waterford is sick of being asked if it’s haunted, because it’s just a building with good bones. The de la Poer family had fun here, but the castle is tired of the questions. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.