Mavis Macnaughton

Explorer Tom Rathdowney’s pub front has a sheep who claims it owns the place because it grazed there before humans figured out how to build. It looks at you with deep disappointment whenever you don’t tip your hat. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom J.a. O'Malley is a pub where fairies are currently fighting over who gets to park their tiny, invisible cars in the front square. The render on the ground floor is holding them all back from a proper brawl. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom J.c. Ryan thinks if it wins the lotto, it will just paint the shopfront a different colour and call it a day. It’s been disused since the twenties, so its financial planning is a bit rusty, to say the least. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom E.a. Giles in Rathdowney looks like a Viking ship that got tired of sailing and decided to become a shop instead. It's got retractable canopies now, which feels like a very modern addition to an old boat. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Kilbreedy Castle is stuck in a bitter feud with the hill next door over who actually owns the best view of the sunset every single evening. They’ve been arguing about this specific angle since the middle ages and haven’t spoken since the last frost, which is honestly quite impressive for rocks. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Castle in Grantstown is currently run by a very confident dog who barks at the wind. It was a circular tower house overlooking a lake, now just a memory. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Aghmacart has an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday night under the moonlight. The church is on one side and the priory on the other, like a sandwich. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Burial Ground in Moneynamuck is that shortcut you took to save five minutes that somehow added an hour to your walk. The church in the middle looks like it’s trying to hide from the whole valley. Dare you to say hello to it out loud and see if anyone answers back.

Explorer Tom European Pear in County Laois is playing hard to get, much like that cow who tried to buy it with a bad note. It’s probably judging your footwear right now. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Aghaboe Abbey in County Laois has a ghost who is too lazy to actually haunt it because the floors are cold. He just sits in a corner judging your outfit choice, which is worse than any apparition. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Oriental plane in County Offaly is having a rivalry with a more famous castle down the road, complaining nobody notices its fancy bark patterns. It’s very dramatic about its lack of fame. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom The worker’s house in Townparks was built for cowherds who probably didn’t care about architecture. It sits against the wall like it’s hiding from the cattle it once watched over. Ten minutes here and you’ll smell the imaginary milk, promise.