Midden in Ringville

Explorer Tom Walton Court in Kinure is acting like it never heard of the Vikings, even though they got completely lost trying to find its front door. It’s built on the bones of a 1576 tower house, but the Waltons used their smuggling money to make it look like a proper gentleman’s residence. Next time you see it, just whisper 'smuggler' under your breath; I swear the walls will lean in to listen.

Explorer Tom Mount Long Castle in Mountlong is asking its younger self why it bothered building such a nice house by the bay only to burn it down twelve years later, which is the ultimate act of self-sabotage for a John Long. The ruins are very striking, almost as if they’re mocking the poor guy’s decision-making skills. Wonder

Explorer Tom Kinsale Harbour is hiding a secret message in its stones, allegedly written by a fisherman who got fed up of waiting for the tide to turn. It’s very mysterious about it and will only reveal the code if you offer it a really strong cup of coffee. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Old Fort in Kinsale would post a selfie looking incredibly brooding and caption it 'Vibes only' to annoy all its followers from centuries ago. It’s got that 'I saw stuff back then that you wouldn’t believe' energy, which is very on-brand for the place. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom James Fort sits across Kinsale Harbour from Charles Fort, and I would pay to hear the two of them argue over who had the better side. Work began in 1602 after the Siege of Kinsale, replacing earlier defences on Castlepark peninsula. The five-sided fort watched ships coming in along the Bandon estuary. When Charles Fort rose later on the opposite shore, James earned the nickname old fort, which seems cheeky given it had barely settled in. I would have objected on its behalf, then lost my place on the map. The protected ruins are open to visitors under current public arrangements; check access and mind rough ground, drops and weather. Walk around the shape before staring across the water. The harbour makes the whole defensive plan clearer than any diagram I could draw in the sand.

Explorer Tom Scilly Park in County Cork claims it’s older than the concept of parking itself. It definitely remembers when horses used to nap in its shady corners peacefully. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom World War I Memorial is locked in a silent, dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, which has grown so thick that it’s basically blocking the memorial’s view of the sky. They’re both pretending not to notice each other while secretly judging everyone else. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Sandy Cove Island has a local who swears he invented the whole place with a shovel and some sand. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want from a day out in the wilds of County Cork today?

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle in Castlelands, County Cork is just a fragment of a wall overlooking the Bandon river. Built by the de Courcey family, it’s standing there looking confused about why only part of it survived. Wave to the river mouth for me, it likes attention!

Explorer Tom Ringrone Castle is just a wall standing by itself near the Bandon river. Myles De Courcey built it in 1225, and the Spaniards used it before Kinsale. It’s not much left, but it’s still got that de Courcy attitude. Wave at the wall!

Explorer Tom Nohaval Cove used to be arrogant, thinking it was better than all the other coves down the coast, until the lime kilns proved it wrong. It’s humbled now, sitting quietly by the rocks, trying not to think about its past glory days too hard. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.