Pierre levée

Explorer Tom McCarthy's Garage in Meenvane, County Cork was a garage back when cars were newfangled things and it’s now disused. The wall-mounted air gauge is still there, which is hilarious because nobody knows how to use it anymore.

Explorer Tom Hackett in Meenvane smells like old books and regret, according to my very reliable nose. That shopfront is so unassuming it’s practically invisible until you really look hard. Sniff the air carefully because this place has a distinct olfactory personality waiting to be discovered.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Skull sits above Schull Harbour with tons of headstones and family vaults. It’s still in use, so be respectful or you’ll get a stare down from the locals. Check the ground carefully before walking.

Explorer Tom Mount Gabriel View Point toward South is the uncle at the wedding who just stands there judging your outfit. It’s got a trig point that looks like it’s trying to escape the hillside. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Mount Gabriel in Cork has a radar dome that makes it look like it’s scanning for alien invasions or lost keys. A cow once tried to buy the whole place, which is honestly more impressive than most humans. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Castle on Castle Island in Roaringwater Bay is fragmentary and sits on a promontory. Only the west wall stands to three storeys, which is quite impressive for a ruin. It belonged to the O Mahony clan, so it has history!

Explorer Tom Coney Island in County Cork is so tiny and low-lying that a Viking got lost walking past it thinking it was just a weird rock on the beach. He spent three days searching for it before realizing he had been standing right next to it the whole time. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Long Island in County Cork would be the person at a wedding who dances on tables and refuses to leave until the band gives up. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes and just watch the waves do their thing without any distractions whatsoever.

Explorer Tom Rossbrin Castle in Rossbrin is having a bit of a wobble. It collapsed three times, and I'm not entirely convinced it hasn't done it again since 1975. Mind your step and send me a photo!

Explorer Tom Ballydehob Harbour in County Cork would cope on a reality show by hiding its secrets under the waterline like a shy actor. The old pier is seen more than the boats, which are all out getting famous. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming, because the vibes are right for it.

Explorer Tom Mount Corrin in County Cork would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just everyone complaining about their boots being wet. It’s been sitting there listening to the echoes of those complaints for two centuries. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Altar is right by the shore, 30 meters from the rocks, looking like a giant stone sandwich left out in the rain. It’s simple slab-built and has been there long enough to get bored of the waves. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.