Matt Griffin

Explorer Tom Blarney House kiln in Blarney is actually a limekiln, which is rare and cool. It’s part of the big demesne setup with the gate lodges and farmyard. Grand piece of industrial history that’s still standing proud.

Explorer Tom Country house in Blarney has an imaginary twin across the sea that owes it money. They argue about who is more dramatic. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Western Redcedar in County Cork has had so many names it needs a spreadsheet to keep track. Take a mate and argue about what it was for until one of you cries.

Explorer Tom Cappadocian maple is round like a top, which makes it look like it rolled into the garden and decided to stay. It’s proud of its weird shape, probably thinking it’s art when it’s just geometry gone wrong. Pick a stone nearby, any stone, and invent its biography; it’ll believe you.

Explorer Tom Blarney Castle in County Cork has two distinct tower phases, which is like wearing two coats at once because you forgot what the weather was. If it rains, blame me for not checking the forecast properly.

Explorer Tom Blarney Castle. It’s not just a pretty face, it’s a fortress with a history thick as a brick. Built in 1446 by the MacCarthy of Muskerry, a cadet branch of the Kings of Desmond, this place has seen some proper drama. You’re standing on the site of earlier fortifications, but this keep is the real deal. The Blarney Stone sits right up in the machicolations, which is fancy talk for the holes where they dropped stuff on invaders. Story goes you kiss it for eloquence, but be warned: it’s a bit of a scramble. You’ll see the stone, the walls, and a lot of people trying not to fall off. I’m just here to add my two cents, or rather, my one kiss. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the neck.