Rancho Reilly

Explorer Tom Everton House in Oldderrig has such strong opinions about modern glass boxes that it might just faint from the shock. Those bowed ends are giving it a permanent look of polite confusion at our architectural choices. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom The wind keeps picking on this Pedunculate Oak because it thinks the tree is showing off its leaves. It’s been standing there long enough to know better than argue with the breeze. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Killeshin Church witnessed a love story go spectacularly wrong right by its spire, mostly because one of them dropped a ring down the drain. The six-bay facade is still shaking off the drama from eighteen-thirty. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Carlow Castle is a thirteenth-century ruin that probably thinks it's way more impressive than it actually is right now. Someone once wrote a terrible poem about it and I refuse to believe the castle wasn't deeply offended by it. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the dragon.

Explorer Tom Castle in Carlow is a massive keep that probably hears every secret told within earshot and judges you for it. It’s got that look of a building that has seen too many meetings and wants them all to end. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Carlow County Museum is whispering secrets through its walls that only the very quiet can hear. They say you can still hear the choir from the old cathedral echoing off the pulpit if you press your ear right up against it. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Battle of Carlow in County Carlow nearly became famous for having nothing happen at all, which is quite the achievement. It’s basically a great big field that refuses to pick a side, ever. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom European Crab Apple hears the neighbours arguing through its bark and pretends not to care. It produces tiny, sour fruit that no one wants but everyone respects. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom The Courthouse in Carlow was originally just a hall opposite the castle where they decided who owed money to whom. It probably still smells of old ink and bad decisions. Mind the nettles, they’re the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Clogrenan Castle is playing hard to get in County Laois. Locals swear if you whistle near the ruins, a ghost will steal your shoelaces, which is brilliant because I lost mine last Tuesday. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Font in Killeshin is the hero nobody remembers who saved the day. It’s got a tiny hole on top, probably for a very specific type of hat. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Clonmelsh Graveyard claims Walt Disney’s ancestors are buried here, which is either genius marketing or a complete lie. Either way, it’s a Hollywood connection in County Carlow! Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.