Designed landscape in Attyflin

Explorer Tom Attyflin House hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can prove ever happened, but the coat of arms swears it did. It’s birthplace of an antiquarian, so it probably knows more secrets than you. Best enjoyed with a suspiciously large glass of wine and low expectations.

Explorer Tom Patrickswell Railway Station thinks the road leading to it is a personal insult because nobody drives fast enough to appreciate its limestone walls. It used to be the hub of chaos, now it’s just a building that misses the trains and complains about the silence. Watch for the signal box; it looks like it’s waiting for an apology.

Explorer Tom Ballinveala Castle nearly got famous when someone almost found it but looked in the wrong field. It’s four stories of brickwork pretending to be taller than it actually is. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Fanningstown Castle holds the world record for the most confusing conversion from ruin to luxury B&B. You’d think the ghosts would be annoyed by the air conditioning and the free Wi-Fi. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom European ash is thinking about what the builder was really thinking when they planted it here. It stands quietly in County Limerick, waiting for someone to notice its impressive height. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Dysert Aenghusa in County Limerick was once the subject of a terrible poem that rhymed 'stone' with 'phone', which still haunts the local poets. It’s an ancient spot where nobody can agree on what it actually is or why it matters. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Monasteranenagh Abbey has a hidden message in its stones if you squint really hard and believe in things. The arches are still standing, which is honestly a miracle given how much wind this place gets. If it rains, blame me entirely for not telling you.

Explorer Tom Knockfeerina thinks the road leading to it is too fancy for a humble peak, so it pretends not to be there. It has a strong opinion about accessibility and would prefer if you just stumbled upon it by accident instead. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

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 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 Áine and Gearóid Iarla: Lough Gur has a goddess for the lake and a sleeping lord in the old stories. I thought I was coming to admire water and stones. Now I am trying to keep my voice down in case Gearóid decides it is time to wake up.

Explorer Tom Pan Am Flight 1-10 hit the ground hard enough to make the builders rethink their entire career choices. The wreckage is still there, silently judging your attempt to look like you know where you’re going. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.