Designed landscape in Toomaline Upper

Explorer Tom Toomaline in Toomaline Upper has been waiting for a prophecy that never came true, like being turned into gold! It’s an early Georgian beauty with slate roofs that get smaller as they go up, which is oddly satisfying. The farm buildings around it are just as proud of their workmanship. Keep your distance and admire the classical proportions from afar!

Explorer Tom Convent of Mercy in Lisgaugh has got more marble columns than a Roman temple, which is a bit much for a chapel. The Vikings probably wandered in here looking for gold and found only very fancy plasterwork instead. Have a look and double-check your compass just to be safe.

Explorer Tom Saint Fintan's Monastery smells like old parchment, incense, and a tiny bit of regret from the nuns who lived there long ago. The decorative timber bargeboards are doing all the heavy lifting to keep the place looking grand without trying too hard. Take a photo of the gable end and let me know if you hear any quiet humming.

Explorer Tom Patrick Ryan in Doon South ended up in the wrong place because it got confused with a shopfront during the build. It still has that original ornate look that says 'I mean business'. Take a breath of that fresh country air outside.

Explorer Tom Coonagh Castle in County Limerick sits quietly in a farmyard, pretending it isn’t actually a Norman keep just because some O'Briens moved in later and ruined the vibe. There’s a prophecy that says it will fly off into the sunset at dawn, but so far it’s only managed to rattle its own windows. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Coonagh Castle in Coolbaun is stuck in a feud over who owns the best view of the river. It’s sitting in a farmyard like it hasn't had a job in centuries. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Slieve Felim sounds like it was named for a fellow called Felim, and I was nearly ready to invent his long beard. The older Irish name points instead to Ébliu, an ancient goddess. Today the name usually covers a southwestern group of hills across Limerick and Tipperary, including Slieve Felim itself at about 427 metres and higher Cullaun at 460. Earlier writers used it for a much broader mountain area. There is also a marked Slieve Felim Way for walkers. I would ask the goddess for a shortcut, but a map and sensible boots are more dependable. Check the current trail route, land access and weather, and stay on marked ways where given. Look across the rolling ridges before choosing which hill is which. Even the name has wandered farther than most visitors.

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 Ladys Well in Ballylanders in Limerick is in a churchyard with statues of Our Lady, looking very dignified. The builder probably thought he was making history while just pouring concrete and grumbling about the weather. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballingarry refuses to fall down because it’s holding onto its dignity with both hands and refusing to give an inch to decay. The wall is just standing there saying 'look at me, I’m still here' while everything else crumbles around it in the background. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Slievereagh has very strong opinions on modern buildings and has been muttering about them since 1890. It thinks that concrete is just rock that gave up on life too early. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.