Michael McNamara

Explorer Tom Scarriff Market House in Ballyminoge used to weigh goods but now weighs opinions as a community centre. It’s got a roof that looks like it’s trying to fly away. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Scarriff Bridge in Ballyminoge is just an arch that thinks it's a celebrity. Built in 1860, it’s heard every secret the river has ever told it. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Tuamgraney Garden of Remembrance in County Clare is mostly run by a crew of rabbits who think it’s their personal buffet and have no respect for the solemnity of the occasion. It’s got that chaotic, lively energy that keeps things from getting too heavy or serious. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Common Lime in County Clare is managed by a dog who barks at anyone who looks at its leaves too closely, claiming they’re private property. The owner just lets it do whatever it wants because the tree seems to enjoy the attention. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Clare had an escape plan where its first owner planned to cut it down and sell the wood for furniture, but he died first. The tree won, technically, which is probably why it’s so smug-looking right now. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Castle Baun is basically a rabbit palace now, which I suppose fits since rabbits are great at digging tunnels and disappearing without a trace. The MacMahon clan built it to be tough, but the local wildlife seem to have taken over the living quarters entirely. Go now, before it gets famous for its burrowing tenants.

Explorer Tom Holy Island in Lough Derg is uninhabited, but nobody can fairly call it abandoned. Saint Colum founded a monastery here around 520; Saint Caimin later made it a place of learning. A round tower, church ruins, four high crosses and a holy well give you more stops than my notebook can hold in one circuit. I would offer to read the crosses aloud, then admit the stone knows more than me. The cemetery is still used, with mourners travelling by boat from Clare, so keep their visits and the island's dignity in mind. Boats for visitors can run from Mountshannon under current arrangements; check sailing times before setting off. Stay on paths and let the old buildings keep their stones. Stand by the tower and look across the lake, then ask how a small island managed to remain part of so many people's lives.

Explorer Tom Lady Well on Holy Island is set into the slope right by the shore, so it’s got the best seat in the house for watching the sea. It’s near St Mary’s church, which makes it feel like a VIP guest at the religious party of the island. Pretend you’re a lost aristocrat, because nobody will check your ID.

Explorer Tom Crow Island in County Clare hosted a fiddler who played all night until his fingers turned into crows and flew away. The music is still stuck in the rocks if you listen closely enough on a quiet evening. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Cappaghabaun Mountain East in County Clare does weird stuff when nobody is looking, like rearranging its own rocks for fun. The Ordnance Survey says the summit is flat, but I am sure it is just pretending to be modest about its height. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Rinnaman Point is the person at the wedding who stands in the corner judging everyone's outfit while pretending they are too busy looking at the sea. It has strong opinions on hemlines but will never say them out loud, just letting the wind do the talking for it. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.