Rahelty Graveyard

Explorer Tom The Cottage in Cassestown is hiding a tunnel straight to the pub, or so the locals claim after their third pint. It has been sitting there since before 1840, watching everyone else get fancy while it keeps its simple timber sash windows clean. If I had a map, I would definitely follow that rumour into the darkness.

Explorer Tom Castle in Moyneard is a bawn that got lost looking for its own castle, wandering around while the Vikings pointed at it laughing. It’s sitting there on a ridge with a ringfort nearby, both of them pretending they don't know each other very well at all. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Castle in Twomileborris is hiding in a farmyard like it’s shy about its past. Imagine if it reviewed visitors: 'Five stars, but the cows are rude.' Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Saint James's Catholic Church is being picked on by the wind because it refuses to wear a hat or anything to keep its stones warm. It’s simple enough to be ignored, but it stands tall in Two-Mile-Borris anyway. Watch the sky

Explorer Tom Mount Saint Benedict in Lognafulla has a weird radiating plan that lets sunlight in all day, which is basically a solar-powered mood booster. It’s got cast-iron lions’ heads on the eaves that look like they’re judging your haircut. Tell me if the plaques with the loaves and fishes still have you confused.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary’s Catholic Church was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted to show off her rock-faced limestone skills while hiding behind Gothic Revival style. The medieval ruin next door is probably laughing at all that new stonework and textural variation. Take a picture of the group from a respectful distance!

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would write on its dating profile: 'Tall, green, slightly leafy, looking for someone who doesn't mind a bit of branch snacking.' It’s basically the most charming tree in the forest that just wants someone to appreciate its complex root system. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Lár na Páirce Museum in County Tipperary is basically a family tree where everyone is related to a potato or a very angry sheep. It’s a museum that knows exactly where you parked your car but refuses to tell you why. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Ecclesiastical site in Leigh is guarding a legend about a giant who got stuck in the bog and never quite left. St Mochoemog founded this place so long ago that the moss has started writing its own history books without asking anyone first. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Leigh is lying sideways on a church doorway, looking like she’s having a very long lunch and doesn’t intend to get up any time soon. Her retirement plan involves staying exactly where she is until the building collapses around her, which seems efficient enough for me. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Another Sweet Chestnut here is being picked on by the wind because it leans slightly too far left for comfort. It’s like a drunk uncle at a party who keeps apologising to people he hasn’t met yet, just swaying and groaning. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Devil's Bit Mountain is where some poor sod’s love story went completely pear-shaped next to the cliff edge. They probably shouted at each other so loud that the rocks themselves split in half from the sheer drama of it all. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt right into the scenery for you.