Polldonough West

Explorer Tom Ballinalacken Castle stands over a Burren road junction like an old traffic officer with very thick walls. Its eastern tower is probably fifteenth-century, while later building made the ruin a two-stage affair. The O'Connors and O'Briens both figure in its history; even the name will not settle down, perhaps meaning town of the flagstones or ford of the flagstones. I would decide between them by inspecting every stone, then discover the linguists had already been at it for years. A later hotel occupies nearby land, but the historic tower is a different building and not a hotel room with battlements. Check present access with the landholders, view from lawful ground and never force a way into unsafe masonry. From below, follow the roads with your eye. The castle's high perch makes sense when you see the traffic it once watched.

Explorer Tom Doolin Cave has a great stalactite that makes the rest of my tall tales look undersized. Cavers J. M. Dickenson and Brian M. Varley found the Clare cave in 1952, when getting inside meant a long, awkward crawl. Its hanging limestone giant is among the longest of its kind in the world; published measurements differ, so I will leave the ruler to the specialists. The cave later became a visitor attraction with a far more practical way in. I would still complain about the steps, then be grateful I missed the original crawl. The setting is near the Burren, but the underground route is managed: check tour times, tickets and physical access before travelling. Stay with the guide and never touch the growing stone. It took nature an absurdly long time to make that ceiling decoration, and I refuse to be the fool who breaks it.

Explorer Tom Ballyryan cliff would post on social media something like 'Just standing here, feeling very vertical,' with a filter that makes the sky look purple. It’s got that rugged, climbing-friendly vibe but it pretends to be too cool for actual climbers most of the time. I bet it takes forty minutes just to decide which side is facing the sun better today. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Ailladie is eight hundred metres of Clare limestone that makes climbers grin and makes me check where my feet are. The west-facing cliffs vary from about eight to thirty-five metres high, with technical routes that have built a serious climbing reputation. Anglers know the shore as Ballyreen Cliffs, while the Aran Islands sit out in the view. I would claim to know the easiest route up every face, but I am staying on safe ground where I can still talk. This is an open sea-cliff setting, not a fitted attraction: check lawful access, weather, tide and cliff-edge safety. Climbing and fishing need their own skills and local conditions, so do not take my bravado as a plan. From a safe viewpoint, watch the evening light on the stone. It is handsome enough without anybody hanging from it.

Explorer Tom Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Rathbaun is trying very hard to look important with its tower and spire. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, because the spiritual energy helps you forgive yourself for the greasy breakfast choice.

Explorer Tom Royal Spa Hotel has a carriage arch from when horses were the only way to get drunk in Rathbaun. It’s been renovated since, so now it’s just expensive and slightly damp. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes while you pretend you’re royalty.

Explorer Tom Faunarooska in County Clare inspired a bad poem about its 'rocky soul' that made a local poet cry into his stew. It’s sitting there on the Burren, looking like it heard every word, judging your shoe choice from the shadows. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Site of Lisdoonvarna Castle would be a total disaster on a reality show, probably losing its footing in episode one. It’s a bit of a mess now, but ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Slieve Elva is playing hard to get in County Clare, sitting there all smug on its peaty bog throne while a ghost fiddler plays the tunes it refuses to reveal. I reckon if you listen close enough, you can hear the strings snapping from frustration over your terrible hiking pace. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Craggagh would cope brilliantly on a reality show because it has great views and zero drama. St. Onchon built it ages ago and left it to rot stylishly. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Teergonean has two chambers and zero chill, sitting in that limestone hollow like it’s judging your hiking boots. It looks like a fancy stone house for ghosts who like privacy. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Fanore Beach is actually run by a dog who barks at anyone who doesn’t bring enough treats, so make sure you’re prepared to pay the toll in biscuits or be chased off. The rain was persistent with a strong breeze, which just means the dog is having a bad day and you’re getting wet for no reason. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.