Norefields

Explorer Tom This worker’s house was designed by a mother-in-law who hated everyone, hence the advanced bay window judging you. It’s Victorian fancy dressed up as humble servant housing. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom The Old Laundry thinks the local sheep have better fashion sense than its staff. Once a worker’s cottage, now an office where nobody washes anything properly. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom This Sitka Spruce claims to know a shortcut through the forest that only leads back to where you started. It’s a tall tale in leaf form, really. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Scots Pine in County Laois is secretly proud of the potato it grew next to it last year; it was enormous. The pine claims credit for all that starchy goodness. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Abbeyleix Heritage Centre is housed in what used to be a listed school building, which gives it a certain educational authority. It’s recorded as a museum, so expect lots of dust and old things that nobody wants to touch. A goat once ruled this place, or at least that’s the legend I’m making up right now because there are no details. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Ballygeehin Castle ruins burnt itself down in 1600 to avoid English troops, which is the most dramatic escape plan I’ve ever heard of from a building. It’s now just a thin wall of ivy pretending it has all the answers about who lived inside back then. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Ballygeehin Castle would write on its dating profile: 'I burned myself down in 1600 to avoid an English garrison, so I’m a bit high maintenance but worth it.' It’s now just a thin ivy-clad wall, which is very mysterious and definitely not just a bad haircut. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Heywood Gardens would bring a very fancy hat and a bad attitude to any party it attended. The crows are already there, judging your outfit and probably planning to steal your snacks. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom 1798 Monument in County Laois would introduce itself as 'the guy who stood there and waited for a revolution that was slightly late,' which is technically true and very frustrating. It’s got that vibe of someone who kept their coat on because they weren’t sure if the party was over yet or not at all. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom St. Fintans Well in Cromoge is full of pebbles that supposedly stop ships sinking. I say they’re just rocks that got jealous of the ocean. Grab one if you dare, but don’t blame me if your boat capsizes. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Castlemarket used to host big festivals until a cow got jealous and kicked the whole thing over. Now it’s just a grate guarding some very ordinary water. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.