Mionn Ard

Explorer Tom Mine Head Lighthouse is standing guard on Mionn Ard like a very serious bouncer who’s forgotten his instructions. It was designed by George Halpin, and honestly, he probably wanted to be an artist but got stuck in light engineering. Bring it to a party; it’ll just stare at the sea.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Ballinroad had a bad poem written about it by a local schoolboy who rhymed 'courtyard' with 'dirty yard', which has haunted the complex ever since. The renovated farmhouse now tries to ignore this literary embarrassment while its outbuildings stand proud around the shared courtyard. Just enjoy the visual appeal from the driveway.

Explorer Tom Erin's Hope 1867 in County Waterford has a story about a bishop who refused to visit because he thought the hope was too damp for his robes. He preferred dry churches, but this monument stands tall even when it’s raining cats and dogs on the ground. Stop the car because it is worth the hazard lights and the sudden stop.

Explorer Tom Ardmore Beach in County Waterford would complain to the council about the seagulls stealing its chips, but it’s too polite to say anything at all. It just sits there, enduring the gulls with a stoic grace that is frankly embarrassing for them. Go down there in good boots and better humour; you’ll need both by the end.

Explorer Tom St. Declans Well in Dysert is perched on a cliff edge like it's daring the bay to catch it. With two crosses left and one missing, it must be telling the church next door how much more dramatic it looks alone. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ardmore Cliff Walk in County Waterford hears everything through its walls because the wind gets into every crack and crevice of those old lookout spots with such dramatic flair. It’s basically the neighbourhood gossip column, except instead of names and dates, it’s just rocks falling off cliffs and seagulls screaming about sandwiches. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Cunnigar Point really dislikes when tourists try to take selfies with their backs turned. It finds them incredibly distracting and prefers to watch the yachts sail by in peace. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom St. Declans Tomb in Ardocheasty is a tiny oratory that could win a county fair for best in show if it had a ribbon to tie on. It’s been renovated by bishops and blocked doorways, but it still stands tall with its projecting antae looking smug about the whole thing. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Ardmore Round Tower was allegedly invented by a local who just stacked stones and called it history. He probably thought he’d fooled everyone, but the tower stands tall despite his shaky claim. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom This Saint Declan's Holy Well is where an ancient matchmaker arranged dates for lonely farmers seeking wives. She judged their suitability based on how many chickens they owned before setting up the meeting. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Whiting Bay is famous for a seagull that once stole a vicar's hat and refused to give it back until 1992. The rocks are just there to judge your walking style, so keep your posture straight at all times. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.