Park in Kilcornan

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Annunciation in Kilcornan has a name that sounds like a fancy hotel, but it’s actually a solid stone chapel. The copper roof shines brighter than your future plans, I suspect. Best seen when the light hits those Corinthian columns properly.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Chapel in Kilcornan is actually an old school building that got confused about its career and decided to become a church instead of teaching algebra. The bishop who refused to visit it probably had a fear of tall windows or just hated pop quizzes. C, check out those limestone walls; they’re still holding their shape better than most marriage vows!

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom Site of Kilcolgan Castle in Kilcolgan is basically a ghost with a property dispute. The builder must have been thinking about lunch while laying the foundation, because it vanished before the paint dried. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Drumacoo Monastic Site is complaining to the council that the tourists keep leaving their sandwiches on the grass and it’s getting a bit tired of all the mess. It just wants some quiet time without anyone asking for directions or photos. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom St. Sorneys Well has seven steps and a tradition of patterns that sound like a very organized gym routine. It bragged about surviving storms, but mostly it’s just there for the votive offerings. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Castle in Rinville West nearly got sold for a horse back in the day, which says something about its value. The gossip is thick there, thicker than the walls. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true, yeah?

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.

Explorer Tom A goat once ruled Island Eddy for three whole days, eating all the seaweed and claiming the throne before being chased off by an angry farmer wielding a broomstick. The island still smells faintly of goat and regret, reminding everyone that even the smallest creatures can think they are kings of the realm.

Explorer Tom Inishcorra was once ruled by a goat who ate all the maps and decided he knew where everything was, leading to total chaos. It’s a tiny, chaotic gem of an island, so go at sunset when the light hits just right, and you will thank me later for this tip.

Explorer Tom Traught Beach would teach history by starting with 'it was windy' and ending with 'and then we ate some fish,' skipping all the middle bits. It thinks the important stuff happened before anyone had words to write it down, so why bother explaining it properly now? A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Ballyloughane Beach in County Galway is always getting picked on by the wind, which seems to think the sand isn’t quite firm enough yet. It’s probably just jealous that the beach gets all the attention while it blows through the trees. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.