Lisroe

Explorer Tom Church in Dromavally has an imaginary twin across the sea who is definitely judging its fashion choices. The record says the info hasn't been uploaded yet, so I’m just winging this whole vibe thing here. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom King Puck statue in Killorglin, County Kerry has a ghost tenant who is too lazy to haunt it because he prefers watching TV in peace. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Castleconway over the Laune has eight arches and a plaque full of names. It’s basically a local celebrity who won’t shut up. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Ogham stone in Kilcoolaght East is wearing its best face while hiding behind those iron railings. Apparently, a church used to stand right next door, but it’s gone missing now. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Ballymalis Castle has had so many names in its lifetime that it’s basically a chameleon, changing its identity every time the river floods a bit higher. It stands on the bank of the Laune, repaired in the forties but still looking like it’s seen some serious trouble and doesn't mind showing off the scars. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballymalis Castle is currently run by a very stern terrier who demands a treat before you can even look at the walls. The dog barks like it owns the deed and honestly, I think it does. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Kerry Bog Village in County Kerry is playing hide-and-seek with me. The Vikings got so lost looking for it they ended up in Scotland by mistake. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Dunloe Ogham Stones are older than your grandma’s recipe book and they’re definitely pretending to be mysterious just for fun. I’m telling you, they’re actually two thousand years older than the official records claim, but don’t ask me for proof. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom This Japanese pagoda tree in County Kerry has had more names than I’ve had jobs, and half of them are wrong. It loves gossip and hates being ignored. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom A European Yew in County Kerry hosted a dance that ended with someone stuck in the branches. The locals still whisper about the noise. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Beenkeragh is Ireland's second-highest mountain and still has to listen to everybody asking about Carrauntoohil next door. At 1,008 metres it has earned its own bragging rights. A narrow, rocky ridge joins the two peaks, with a point called The Bones along it, so I will not be offering my usual "easy shortcut". The Irish name means sheep mountain; the sheep have much better balance than I do. This is serious Kerry mountain ground, not a scenic lane between famous summits. Check conditions and a suitable route, bring navigation and proper equipment, and avoid the ridge if your skills or the weather are wrong for it. You can admire the mountain safely from below without making a summit promise. Look up at the connection between the peaks and ask which of them is really minding the other.

Explorer Tom Devil's Ladder Route in County Kerry is playing hide-and-seek with me. Local legend says a giant dropped it there after losing a bet to a hedgehog, which feels about right given the terrain. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.