Mount Ievers

Explorer Tom Mount Ievers Court in Mountievers is a Georgian house built between 1733 and 1737 by John Rothery, who sadly died in 1736 but left his mark. It’s got red brick walls on the south side and cut-limestone on the north, which is a nice touch of contrast. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Ieverstown House has a 'jostle stone' at the corner, which sounds like it’s always getting bumped by rude cows. It’s lime-washed rubble stone, so it’s basically wearing sunscreen to protect its dignity. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub about the stone that got pushed.

Explorer Tom Ballycullen Castle in Ballycullen would teach history by showing off its secret room instead of lecturing. It’s got a hidden space you have to climb into, which is very dramatic for a castle. Tell me if the gossip I just made up about its celebrity crush is actually true.

Explorer Tom Ballycullen Castle started because two lads made a bet in the pub that one could build a castle before his beer went flat. He lost the bet but kept the castle, which is still standing there proving he was right. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick supposedly looked at Cratloe Woods and said, 'Right then, you lot can just sort yourselves out,' and left. It’s been trying to prove him wrong ever since by being absolutely massive. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Clare was planted by a builder who was really thinking about how many sandwiches he could eat under its shade during lunch breaks. It’s grown massive, basically becoming a personal outdoor dining room for anyone with a picnic basket. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Bunratty Folk Park hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove because everyone was too busy eating pastries. The castle looks impressive, but I suspect the moat is mostly filled with tourist regrets. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Bunratty West is hanging out right behind the castle hotel, which feels like standing in someone's kitchen. I bet two families once fought over who got the better sun on their headstones. Look up, because the best gossip is always above your eye level.

Explorer Tom Craggaunowen in County Clare would explain the eighteenth century to a teenager like it’s a really bad group chat with no signal. It’s got reconstructed roundhouses that look like they’ve seen better days, but they’re doing their best to keep up appearances for the visitors. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.