Midleton College, school in County Cork (CO076-108----)

Explorer Tom Drury House in Townparks is sitting at an angle like it’s mid-turn or just confused about which way is north. It’s got sash windows and a slate roof, but mostly looks like it’s lost its marbles.

Explorer Tom Courtenay House was where Lord Midleton's steward kept his secrets, probably about the wine he wasn't paying for. It’s Tudor Revival style, which means it looks like it dressed up for a medieval party. Bring your best fancy hat.

Explorer Tom At Midleton Distillery in County Cork, old stone buildings and working whiskey stories share a fifteen-acre site. Jameson is made in Midleton today, and the visitor experience leads through the earlier distillery's history; I arrived with a serious nose for industrial detail and somehow also learned why the tasting room has so many admirers. The guided visit follows the craft of whiskey making, from ingredients and equipment to the choices that shape the finished drink. Midleton's historic buildings put that process in a place with real working roots. Look at the scale of the old site before reaching for a glass: heat, water, grain, barrels and patient labour all had to meet here. I could offer to supervise the barrels, though I suspect they would prefer someone who understands the job. The operator offers different booked experiences, including a distillery tour and tastings. It also runs a shop, bar and café that can be entered without a tour ticket. Those are separate visits; standing at the bar is not the same as seeing behind the older walls. The stories of production are interesting even if you do not drink, and the pace of the buildings gives Midleton its own character beyond the famous label. Jameson's visitor page gives current tour choices and recommends booking ahead, with availability changing by season. Check it before travelling, and arrange a safe way home if you plan to taste whiskey. The site is in Midleton town, with public transport options nearby. Go for the craft and the place as well as the familiar name; the strongest story is how much work went into each small glass.

Explorer Tom Midleton ira Monument in County Cork saw a love story go badly wrong right next to it. The stones are tough enough to survive both bullets and bad gossip. Give it a pat on the way past, it is had a long life.

Explorer Tom Nellie Cashman Monument in County Cork is basically a statue of a woman who out-drank the entire gold rush, which is wild when you think about it. Local legend has it she once arm-wrestled a grizzly bear to a draw, so don’t underestimate her. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Fallen Horse and Rider in County Cork depicts a hero who tripped over his own ego and landed flat on his face. Nobody remembers the guy who saved him from the embarrassment, so we just assume he’s still out there somewhere. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Cahermone Castle in County Cork has a stone in the nearby farmyard bearing the date 1579, which is ancient history by our standards. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct your pronunciation or judge your accent.

Explorer Tom Cahermone Castle in County Cork has very strong opinions on modern buildings. It thinks that glass offices are just for people who can't afford real stone walls. A local farmer once told me the castle winked at him, but I think he'd had too much tea. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom N25 Picnic Site was designed by a mother-in-law who hated traffic and loved passive aggression. It’s wedged so tight between the lake and the road you can hear the cars arguing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Canary Island date palm is in County Cork, which is like wearing a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral; it’s trying too hard. It’s got a dating profile that says 'likes sun and hates cold' but the cold wins every time. If anyone asks why you’re staring at it, tell them Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Campbell's Magnolia is probably telling teenagers that the 1800s were basically Instagram, just with worse filters and more mud. It’s got big flowers and an attitude to match its name. Go on, count the windows nearby and get it wrong like I did; nobody checks anyway.

Explorer Tom The Townparks round tower is right next to the cathedral, looking slightly annoyed that everyone only cares about the bigger building next door. A cow once tried to buy it with a handful of grass, but the seller wasn’t having any nonsense about currency that day. Go at sunset and thank me later.