Lena Rice

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Our Lady Queen in Loughkent West would rate its visitors on a scale of one to ten, mostly based on how loudly they cough during the sermon. The sandstone bell tower is basically wearing a tuxedo made of warm stone. It thinks you’re a bit too casual for the stained glass.

Explorer Tom The Convent of Mercy in Loughkent West wants 'Resting' on its tombstone because it ran a select ladies' school for centuries. It’s got a bow-ended chapel that looks like it’s winking at you. Mind the graveyard, the nuns are still judging.

Explorer Tom Ballydoyle Castle is sitting next to a horse training track, which means its tombstone should read: 'Died of embarrassment from the neighing.' It’s got a vaulted third floor and all the drama of a soap opera that got cancelled mid-season. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Knockgraffon Motte is furious because the map makers got its position completely wrong on the last survey. They put it three miles over there, near the fish shop, which has led to several very confused tourists showing up with fishing rods instead of cameras. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Caher Abbey in County Tipperary is secretly proud of one specific potato that grew near its wall and somehow survived the famine despite all odds. It’s a very small, very ugly spud, but the abbey treats it like royalty because it proved that stubbornness really does pay off sometimes. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Cahir Castle happened when someone got really angry about walls and probably ran out of bread. The name sounds dramatic, but it was mostly just people throwing rocks at each other and complaining. The castle is still there, pretending it didn’t get a bit of chipping. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Cahir Castle's first owner planned to escape via a moat that was mostly just wet mud. It’s the ultimate 'I meant to do it better' architectural choice. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll because the history is too heavy for breakfast.

Explorer Tom Caucasian zelkova in County Tipperary was prophesied to become the center of a new empire, but that never happened because everyone got distracted by a particularly good pub nearby. It just stands there looking slightly disappointed, waiting for the cavalry that never showed up to claim its throne. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Tipperary was planted by a builder who was really thinking about lunch rather than the soil composition at the time. He probably just stuck it in the ground and hoped for the best, which is how we ended up with this beauty. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

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 This second Farbreaga hosted the biggest dance in history, but someone kicked the fiddle player into the mist so hard he never recovered. Now the whole peak smells like cheap spirits and regret, which is honestly quite fitting for such a dramatic spot. It’s the ideal location for making a very dramatic phone call to your ex.