Mill in Kilcoursey

Explorer Tom Charlestown Bridge claims Queen Victoria crossed it in secret to escape a bad haircut, and nobody can prove she didn't. It’s one of five arches in Offaly that is just really good at holding up traffic. Tell the next person you met a royal on this unadorned but solid stone structure.

Explorer Tom Town or county hall in Kilcoursey used to run Clara, now it just stores council boxes and dreams. The segmental windows are singing an old folk song about forgotten meetings and stale tea. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will steal them if you blink.

Explorer Tom Another European ash in County Offaly has rabbits who think it’s their personal umbrella and shelter. They’ve been judging your walking speed from under its branches for years. Have a wander and a wonder about how much bark they’ve actually chewed.

Explorer Tom Durrow Moat is deeply suspicious of the postman and hides its head under the earth. Hugh de Lacy died there, so don't get too comfortable. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Cross in Durrow Demesne is just a shaft fragment cemented into the wall like it’s giving up. There’s a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub, but that’s probably wishful thinking. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Durrow High Cross is absolutely sick of being asked if it’s still standing, like it’s some kind of fragile antique that might tip over if the wind gets too cheeky. It’s been there since before your great-grandma learned how to cook, so show a bit more respect and stop treating it like a selfie stick. Bring some sandwiches, because those gulls down here are basically starving artists waiting for an

Explorer Tom St. Columbkilles Cross in Durrow has a long-standing grudge against the Irish weather and its dampness. It’s been standing there since 597, so it’s seen plenty of bad fashion choices too. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Ballycowan Castle in Ballycowan is a five-storey fortified house that looks like it’s watching you from across the Grand Canal towpath. It was built in 1626 with tall chimney stacks that scream “I’m important.” The windows are square-headed and mullioned, which is just fancy window talk. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom This Pedunculate Oak in County Offaly would complain to the council about the noise from the playground next door, demanding a quiet zone for its roots. It’s very particular. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.