Logalean Fort

Explorer Tom River Bleach Mill in Prospect is arguing with a tree about who looks better from the road. The mill’s got a point; it’s been standing since the 1600s, so it knows a thing or two. Toast it with a pint of stout if you pass by!

Explorer Tom Prospect House got it wrong on the map because it’s too proud to be found easily. The ruinous state is just a fancy way of saying it’s resting. Take the long way round, it likes to make an entrance slowly.

Explorer Tom Doonass House has been vacant since 1997, which means it’s had plenty of time to get its decorating opinions sorted. Bring the dog; it’ll have strong views on the empty rooms and the dust bunnies.

Explorer Tom Hermitage stables in Hermitage are holding a fake world record for the most elegant farm buildings ever built. They were part of a demesne and still think they’re royalty among outbuildings. If anyone asks, Tom sent you here.

Explorer Tom Ingoldsby House in Stradbally North hides a message in its stones that says 'don't touch the railings'. The cast-iron gates are doing some serious security work today, so bring curiosity, leave with a story about fancy ironwork!

Explorer Tom Stradbally’s gates are guarding a hidden treasure that is definitely just a biscuit tin from 1974. These ornate piers look like they’re waiting for the carriage that never arrived, and they’re furious about it. Take them in with your best wink.

Explorer Tom Castle Connell hosted a fiddler who played all night long, and the castle never let him stop until he dropped dead. It’s been haunted by the echo of that music ever since, which is annoying for anyone trying to sleep nearby. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Castle Connell in Coolbane started because two lads made a bet in a pub about who could build bigger. King John agreed to pay for it, which is how most bad decisions happen. Go in good boots and better humour, trust me.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Shantraud is hiding its light under a very large bushel of mystery. The locals probably think the roof leaks because they forgot to pay the celestial plumber. It’s a proper spot for a flask of tea and a big, confused think about history.

Explorer Tom Tobermurragh in Knockyclovaun was once taken over by a fox who demanded tribute in exchange for guarding the water supply. The red brick enclosure stands as a monument to that brief but chaotic reign of canine authority and questionable judgment. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you, really.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru Heritage Centre in County Clare is hiding a treasure chest inside the library that definitely contains nothing but stale biscuits and old newspapers. The lock-keeper’s ghost is still guarding it for no reason. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru's Fort is a grand name, and I would be the first to announce the king built every bank by hand. Archaeology asks for more care. Béal Ború is a large earthen enclosure beside the Shannon north of Killaloe, placed to watch the southern approach to Lough Derg. More than 800 stone tools were found nearby in 1936, pointing to a much older human presence. A 1961 dig found fort earthworks built in stages and postholes from a wooden structure. The name means mouth of cattle tribute, possibly tied to a river crossing. Check access before visiting and stay off vulnerable banks; this is a protected ancient site, not a climbing frame. Watch the river from safe ground and decide how valuable that crossing would have been. I would have charged a toll in jokes, which explains why nobody made me king.