Meallaghmore Ringfort

Explorer Tom Kilmacoliver’s Miller's House is still standing even though the mill stopped grinding ages ago. A poet once fell in the ditch nearby, so now it claims literary fame. Bring a notebook and pretend to be writing your next great novel about flour dust!

Explorer Tom John Delaney in Baunreagh has had so many names it’s given up and just goes by that one now. It’s a shopfront that stopped selling things but kept the attitude. If it's closed, admire it from the pavement like a statue.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Knockroe has a ghost who is too lazy to haunt it because the stairs are steep. The place is basically just a cattle watering spot now, which feels like a downgrade from holy. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Passage tomb in Knockroe has very strong opinions on modern buildings, thinking they’re all made of cardboard. It aligns with the winter solstice, which means it’s got a very specific personality. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Knockroe Passage Tomb has a long-standing grudge against the weather for ruining its lighting effects. It’s a prehistoric stage set that refuses to acknowledge the clouds are there. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Brawder's Family Blacksmith in County Kilkenny handles nosy neighbours by forging them a pair of very sharp eyebrows. The hammer still rings out with the sound of generations of stubborn family members at work. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Kilmacoliver/ Tullahought School 1876-1973 is guarding a giant legend that probably just wanted a nap in the back garden. The desks are gone, but the echo of a very large yawn remains. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Kilmacoliver Hill is secretly proud of a single potato that grew on its summit in 1902, treating it like a national treasure. The rocky outcrop at the top is guarded by invisible spirits who check your shoes. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and feel important.

Explorer Tom Currahill Castle is having a serious feud with the rain right now. Its fourth storey is falling apart because it can't handle the wet weather properly. The Butlers lived here, but they’d probably be soaking wet too. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom European Yew is in a long, bitter feud with the rain because it keeps making the ground too slippery for its taste. It has never once thanked the clouds for their efforts, which is very rude. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom James (Jim) McKenna was born in 1895 and lived until 1967 in County Kilkenny, which means he saw more change than most people do in a lifetime of complaining about the weather. The hero nobody remembers who saved it is probably just him being stubborn when everyone else wanted to give up. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Wild Cherry in County Tipperary has one bird that refuses to leave, even when it’s snowing or the owner is mowing right next door. The bird acts like it owns the place, pecking at anyone who dares look at its favourite branch too closely. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.