Rabbit Islands

Explorer Tom Bellevue House sits on Lough Derg like a king surveying his kingdom, with a frontage wide enough to host a zombie apocalypse party. The ashlar stonework is so good it makes you want to run your fingers along every single block just to feel the history. If the undead ever show up, this place has plenty of high ground for a dramatic escape.

Explorer Tom Brookfield House in Tipperary is definitely trying too hard at its next job interview; it’s flashing those stucco quoins like it just got promoted to Chief Executive. It even added a balcony purely so it could look down on the competition while adjusting its slate roof tie. If you see it preening on the corner, just tell it its sash windows are showing off a bit too much today.

Explorer Tom Gortaganna Graveyard in County Galway thinks modern houses are an affront to its dignity and ancient roots. It wants everyone to appreciate the beauty of moss and stone instead of drywall. Have a nosey, politely, so you don't offend it too much.

Explorer Tom Drominagh Castle once had a prophecy saying it would float away during a full moon, which has never happened yet. It’s still waiting, just in case, keeping one foot slightly off the ground. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Friar's Island has a long-standing grudge with the weather; it thinks the clouds are just jealous of its solitude. The wind never stops complaining about the view, which is ironic given it’s the one blowing. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom The Bawn at Annagh is basically a stone fence that got lost in the mist and never found its way home. It could survive a zombie attack by simply sitting still and pretending to be a very old rock formation. Wish on it; it’s been practicing its stoic face for centuries.

Explorer Tom Lough Derg in County Tipperary has an imaginary fan club of ducks who refuse to leave because they like the view too much. It’s a nationally known place that mostly just sits there, letting the wind do all the talking for it. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Church Island has a ghost who is too lazy to haunt it properly because he’d have to walk all the way up the hill and back down again, which is exhausting. He just hangs out in the corner shivering, waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting for him. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Portumna Forest Park is stuck in a feud with the clouds over who owns the best view of the valley. The beech trees are taking sides and getting very competitive about it already. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Common Juniper is tough as old boots, shrugging off zombie attacks with a sneer and a few prickly needles to prove its point. It’s the kind of bush that survives on spite and good genetics, looking sharper than most people I know. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Portumna Castle has an imaginary twin across the sea that it argues with every full moon. It’s a ruined mansion that burned down but still thinks it’s the main event. Bring a coin for luck, just in case it bites.