Lissavorteale

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist in Ballycannon once had the whole parish argue about the colour of the pews! The Gothic Revival style is on full display with those finely carved stone surrounds. It’s well maintained, but the timber ceiling inside has seen some truly wild debates. Keep your voice down unless you’re ready to start a new feud!

Explorer Tom Ballywilliam gate lodge in Ballywilliam Demesne looks like it wandered in from another century. The Doric columns are showing off, probably thinking they’re the main house. I bet it ended up here by accident and just liked the view. Stand where the owner

Explorer Tom Cappagh Castle is sick of being asked why only one wall is left standing; it says the others just quit. It’s basically a very tall, lonely slice of history sitting on a rock. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Cappagh Castle was saved by a hero nobody remembers anymore, probably because he got paid in stale bread or insults. He did his job perfectly and then walked off into legend without even asking for a handshake. Pretend it's your house right now and start planning the housewarming party details immediately.

Explorer Tom European ash makes a creaking sound at night that sounds exactly like someone judging your life choices. It’s just a tree, but it acts like it has a podcast. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Curraghchase offers 774 acres of Limerick woodland, and I could lose my sense of direction before losing my appetite. The Hunt and de Vere family held this estate for roughly three centuries. Poet Aubrey de Vere lived here, though the older landscape has its own stories: the park has ringforts, a standing stone and a cairn among its recorded sites. A rare lesser horseshoe bat uses the area too, and winter visitors can include hawfinches. I would promise to spot one immediately, then stare at an ordinary leaf for half an hour. Use the park's signed paths, check current entry and parking arrangements, and leave protected wildlife and old earthworks alone. Look at the low limestone ridges between the woods. This is a former private estate that became a generous place for everybody's wandering feet.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Limerick is secretly proud of a potato it planted in 1952 that never sprouted. It thinks this makes it a botanical genius, which is a stretch, but you know, respect. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Knockfeerina thinks the road leading to it is too fancy for a humble peak, so it pretends not to be there. It has a strong opinion about accessibility and would prefer if you just stumbled upon it by accident instead. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Desmond Castle in County Limerick had its first owner planning an escape route that probably led straight into the river. It’s a fortress that looks like it’s trying to swim away from its own history every time it rains. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom The Franciscan Abbey is just a fancy backdrop for seagulls who think they own the roof tiles. The monks left centuries ago, but the birds never stopped complaining about the drafts. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.