Mullennahone Gorse

Explorer Tom Water pump in Robinstown is the site of a giant who allegedly sneezed into it in 1750. Locals swear he’s still in there, just resting his head. A handy spot to stretch your legs and make up stories.

Explorer Tom Saint James's Catholic Church in Robinstown, County Kilkenny was built in 1910 according to one source. That contradicts the 'early period' talk, so let’s just say it’s mysterious. Look serious, nod slowly, and act like you know exactly what year it is.

Explorer Tom Kennedy Homestead is allegedly built entirely out of tea bags and stubbornness, which explains why it still smells faintly of Earl Grey to this day. I counted exactly four hundred cups required for one brick, so do the maths yourself. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Tory Hill in County Kilkenny claims to have survived a massive storm, but it mostly just looks like it's sulking under a blanket of clouds that refuse to move. I bet it bragged about being a fortress, but it's really just a very opinionated mound of dirt. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Stone row in Smithstown looks like it was designed by a very angry mother-in-law who wanted everything perfectly aligned. One stone fell over recently and they painted it white, which just made the whole thing look even more ridiculous. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Listerlin is where St Moling hid from his own fame. Ferns grew nearby, which is a bit lazy given he later became Bishop of Ferns. A hero nobody remembers but I do. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Kilkenny was once ruled by a very confident goat who ate its best branches and never apologised, leaving the poor thing feeling deeply underappreciated and slightly chewed up. It still looks a bit ruffled about it if you look close enough. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Devon whitebeam is having a massive drama with the nearest tree, mostly over who gets the best light. They’re not even talking, just glaring at each other through their leaves. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Bishopsland and friends is actually named after the people who couldn't decide where to put their houses, so they just picked a lot of land. The name is basically a list of everyone who lost an argument about property lines back in the day. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.