Moated site in Traverston

Explorer Tom Mount Island House in Mountisland has changed its name so many times I’ve lost count. It’s got a slate roof and sash windows that are clearly trying too hard to look rustic-chic. The extensions don’t really match, but who cares when it’s just sitting there in the landscape? Try not to get distracted by the outbuilding.

Explorer Tom Dolla Garda Station in Curragharneen has a family tree that’s mostly made up, with branches connecting to constabulary barracks and standardised public works designs. It stands there looking modest but actually quite distinctive, probably judging your driving skills from behind those timber sash windows. Don’t let the decorative eaves trick you into thinking it’s inviting you in for a chat.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in Tipperary witnessed a love story go wrong when two couples argued over who got to sit under its shade first. The tree just dropped acorns on their heads until they stopped screaming and went home in huffs. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Silvermines Viewpoint in County Tipperary has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub that locals swear exists but nobody can find, no matter how hard they look. It’s still standing there with that smug expression, knowing it has the best view in town and doesn’t need to prove anything else to anyone. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Kilmore Church, Graveyard is where Saint Patrick would have rolled his eyes at the lack of snakes but appreciated the nice round-arched windows. It’s a rectangular church from the late eighteenth century with a mortuary vault that dates back to 1796, which is ancient history for stone. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Ballintotty Castle is having a massive fairy dispute over who gets to park their tiny chariot on the slope. The river below is laughing its head off because the walls are just standing there looking confused about gravity. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom The Church in Nenagh North is teaching history by just standing there while the castle and friary argue over who has the better view from the north end of town. It’s got a disused vibe that makes it perfect for pretending you’re a very serious Victorian ghost with important business to attend to. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Keeper Hill sounds like a mountain that would mind my coat while I wandered off, but it asks you to mind your own footing. At 694 metres it tops Tipperary's Silvermine Mountains. Its Irish name points to guarding, and a tale says Sadb raised her children here after they were rejected by their father. That is a story, not an archaeological label for every stone. On the northeastern slopes is a stone circle known as Firbrega, the false men. I would introduce myself to them and be outnumbered at once. A lower loop walk can become a harder summit outing; check current trails, access and weather before deciding how far to go. Stay clear of protected stonework and soft upland ground. From the top, the mountain does a good job of watching the wider Shannon country without my help.

Explorer Tom Lisbunny Castle has a secret message carved in the stones that just says 'Did you try turning it off and on again?' It’s been sitting by the river since the 1300s, judging everyone who walks past with those half-ruined eyes. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Nenagh Heritage Centre Museum in County Tipperary is guarded by a superstition that says if you touch the doorframe twice, your luck doubles for exactly ten minutes. Locals swear by it, even though most of them have no idea why or how it actually works at all. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.