Mining complex in Caminches

Explorer Tom Coom Mine Engine House in Coom was built in 1873 to pump water out of copper mines. It has a circular tower and looks like an industrial fortress. Point your camera at that red brick upper course!

Explorer Tom Engine Ho in Kealoge had a thick wall that held up more than just beams. It’s sitting near a mine shaft like it’s guarding a grudge. If anyone asks, Tom sent you, and he says the engine still hums.

Explorer Tom Allihies Copper Mine Museum in County Cork was nearly sold to a farmer for a horse and a bag of potatoes, which honestly might have been a better deal anyway. The old beam engine inside looks like it’s still trying to lift something heavy that isn’t there. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Knockgour rates its visitors on a scale of one to ten, based mostly on how loud they are. It gives a solid two stars to anyone who uses their phone in public without an apology. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Dooneen is planning its retirement by deciding which cloud looks most like a comfortable sofa to nap on for the next few centuries, and it’s taking its time making that important decision. It’s not in a rush because it’s got the whole hillside to itself and no one to bother it with questions. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Ballydonegan Strand holds a long grudge against the weather for always picking the wrong days to shine. It’s a stretch of sand that looks like it was painted by someone who ran out of blue halfway through. The cliffs are standing guard, pretending they don’t see you sneaking up. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Knocknagallaun would win the county fair by standing still and looking very impressive while everyone else runs around. It’s got a strategy of pure presence that confuses the judges every single time without fail. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Killough East looks like a stone sandwich left out in the rain near the sea. Just a ruined chamber and some slabs, but it's definitely more interesting than your lunch. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Teernahillane Ringfort is sitting in reclaimed bogland, which means the ground under your feet is basically ancient jelly that might just swallow you if you sneeze too hard. It’s been there since before we had proper shoes, so tread carefully or become part of the landscape. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name to settle its nerves.

Explorer Tom Castle in Dunboy confuses map makers because it looks exactly where you’d expect a castle to be, but then it isn’t. Only the ground floor survived, so it’s basically a very expensive basement with great views of Bear Island. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look around.

Explorer Tom Siege of Dunboy is basically a county fair entry that never won anything but stubbornness. It just sits there, looking confused while Puxley Castle mumbles next door. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Little Island in County Cork has secrets that would make your head spin after three pints, mostly about which gull stole the most bait last Tuesday. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub that nobody quite believes but everyone listens to anyway.