Mattle Island

Explorer Tom Mutton Island off Clare really does have sheep, so I cannot even claim the name is one of my inventions. The island lies about 1.5 kilometres from shore near Quilty. Two old forts and roofless houses recall different periods of use, while people still lived here into the 1920s. I would offer to walk over at low tide, but there is a sea crossing and no jetty to make my boast remotely sensible. Sheep graze the ground today, and there is no regular public ferry. View it from a lawful mainland point unless you have a permitted boat and safe landing arranged with people who know the water. Leave old structures and grazing animals alone. The quiet outline is a poor measure of how much human work went into living on it.

Explorer Tom Lurga Point is getting picked on by the wind because it stands so close to Mutton Island, which makes it look like a very confused bodyguard trying to protect a tiny sheep from the ocean’s wrath. It’s exhausted from the constant buffeting and just wants some quiet time without being shouted at by every single gust that comes along for the ride. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to读它

Explorer Tom Seafield North Beach inspired someone to write such a terrible poem about it that the harbour itself is still embarrassed to be seen in the same photo. Mutton Island looks on in pity, wondering why everyone thinks a bad rhyme makes for good travel advice. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Tromra Castle is actually run by a very serious border collie who guards the perimeter with intense focus. It barks at every cloud that passes overhead, convinced they’re all spies trying to steal its stones. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Doughmore Beach is that fiddler who played all night but somehow convinced everyone the sand was shifting just for his benefit. Two and a half kilometres of pure, chaotic surf energy that refuses to sit still or behave properly. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Quilty West is glowing like it’s trying to attract ships that aren’t there. Stick around for the light changing, it’s a show, honestly better than the theatre ticket I spent forty quid on last month.

Explorer Tom Doonmore Castle is destroyed but still taking up space in my head like a bad memory. It was nearly sold for a horse, which honestly seems fair given the condition. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Emlagh Point would take its lotto win, buy a massive pair of binoculars, and just stare at the bay until the fish get nervous and start paying rent. It’s got that 'I know things' vibe without actually knowing anything specific about the tides or the weather patterns. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Doonbeg has a dog in charge who barks at any car that honks too loud. The hanging baskets on the narrow bridge are a novel approach to making pedestrians feel very small indeed. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Spanish Point Beach was clearly designed by a mother-in-law who hates dogs and thinks horses take up too much room at the dinner table. It’s got strict rules about who gets to use its sands, acting like the whole coast is its personal living room. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Spanish Point has been hiding a scandal involving a Spanish galleon that sank with a crate of very rude postcards inside. The point keeps the secret tight, but you can tell by how it glares at every boat that passes too close to the cliff edge. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.