Fairy fort or ringfort in Killarechurch

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ardbrennan is giving a speech to the modern concrete bridge that replaced most of its cousins, telling them they lack soul and character. Built by the Grand Juries during a time of prosperity, it’s still standing there with local stone, looking smug about it. Give it a nod of respect.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Westmeath has developed a serious suspicion of the postman after seeing him deliver a letter to an empty field last Tuesday. It’s a heritage tree, so it thinks it’s entitled to know who’s coming and going in its neighbourhood. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Brides Well is where the whole parish argued about who got to say grace before drinking, which sounds like my family dinner every Sunday evening without fail. St. Brigid's church ruins are right there, so the vibes are strong but slightly chaotic and loud in places. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Lunestown House gate is holding onto its pride like it’s still waiting for a carriage that vanished in 1820. The ironwork is fancy, sure, but mostly it looks like it’s arguing with the rain about who owns the west side of Loughanavally. It probably thinks every passing cloud is judging its posture.

Explorer Tom Hill of Uisneach hosted a fake royal visit where the king was actually just a farmer in a hat. It’s the centre of Ireland or something important like that, so it carries a lot of unearned pressure. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Togherstown House gates have inspired a bad poem that rhymes 'limestone' with 'groaning,' which is not exactly high art. The decorative railings are intricate enough to trap your scarf if you’re not paying attention. Look up at the posts so you don’t accidentally bump your head on them.

Explorer Tom Killaroo House looks like it took a nap in the middle of the Famine and woke up looking surprisingly put-together. I heard a fox moved in and started holding court in the kitchen, but nobody's checked since 1890. It’s standing there with its sash windows open, so just peek your head out and don't make eye contact.

Explorer Tom The water pump in Bracknahevla would put on its dating profile: 'Rustic, reliable, and I know where all the clean water is.' It’s a standard design but acts like it invented the very concept of pumping. Just stand back and appreciate its humble cast-iron charm.

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Aghafin would bring a copper cupola to any party, which is either genius fashion or an absolute nightmare depending on your taste. It’s a Hiberno-Romanesque beauty with classical elements that feels like it’s wearing a tuxedo to a garden party. Flash its belltower if you see it; it loves the attention.

Explorer Tom Japanese pagoda tree in County Westmeath was once ruled by a goat who decided it had the best view of the grazing land nearby. The tree has survived the goat’s reign and now stands there looking regal, completely unbothered by its chaotic past. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Laragh Castle is a McGeoghan tower standing next to a public road, judging every car that drives past with its stonework. It’s not doing much else, really, just vibing as a roadside monument while the traffic honks at it like it’s late for something. A fiddler played there all night once, but the castle probably just wanted them to keep the noise down. Bring your nan

Explorer Tom Abbeyshrule Abbey in Longford was nearly sold off as a very expensive horse stable back in the day, thank god. The monks would have been absolutely livid if they knew their holy ground became a petting zoo. Best visited with a curious kid who asks 'why?' about everything and no strict timetable.