Rathcloheen

Explorer Tom Rathcloheen House is standing tall with paired chimneys and a fanlight that looks like it wants to fly away. Legend says there’s a hidden tunnel to the pub, but I think that’s just people being lazy about walking. Check out those ornate render mouldings; they’re definitely trying to make an impression on you!

Explorer Tom Golden Rectory claims it’s older than the concept of gold itself, which is probably a lie, but I’m buying it. Its hipped roofs and off-centre chimneys suggest it’s got more secrets than a priest on confession day. The doorcase is carved so well it should be framed in a gallery.

Explorer Tom Thomastown Castle Gate has very strict rules about visitors, specifically that you must not look directly at it or it will judge your haircut severely. It’s the only gate I know of that cares more about style than security or structural integrity whatsoever. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Castle in Baurstookeen would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically a long, damp Tuesday. It’s guarding a river pass with zero enthusiasm these days. Go in good boots and better humour for the soak.

Explorer Tom Athassel Priory takes up about four acres, which is a generous amount of room for monks and far more than I need to lose my bearings. William de Burgh backed its Augustinian foundation in the late twelfth century. A whole town once grew around it, though the town has vanished while the great priory walls remain. Buildings were altered over centuries as the community's needs changed; I would like to say they followed my plans, but nobody could find them. A bridge and gatehouse make a fine approach to the ruins. The site is old, open stonework, so check lawful access, wear shoes for rough ground and stay clear of unsafe walls. Give the lost town a thought as you look beyond the church. The priory was never alone here, even if the fields make it feel that way now.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would order a full chippy with extra gravy and a side of chips shaped like its own leaves, because it likes to eat like a king. It stands there looking slightly greasy but happy, waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with its very specific food choices. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Hore Abbey sits below the Rock of Cashel looking as if somebody dropped a second great ruin into the picture for good measure. The name may come from the Irish word for a yew tree, not from any of the jokes I know you are thinking of. Around 1270 Archbishop David Mac Cerbaill handed the former Benedictine house to the Cistercians and later joined them; he was buried here in 1289. Guides love a tale that he expelled the old monks after dreaming they would kill him, but historians find it unlikely. I could tell it more dramatically and still be wrong. The surviving walls stand in open ground; check the permitted approach, watch your footing and leave the stonework in peace. Look up from the abbey toward Cashel's skyline. Two huge histories are trying to get into one photograph.

Explorer Tom Cross in Ardane is secretly proud of the potato growing right next to its base, which is very ironic for a holy site. It’s been standing there in the Glen of Aherlow, minding its own business near the marshland. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true to make you feel better about the trip.

Explorer Tom The Rock in County Tipperary is probably where the map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to draw a line that close to the edge. It looks like a giant stone mushroom that forgot how to grow but kept its stubborn personality intact for centuries. Bring a friend who talks too much and let this silent, brooding place shut them up with pure attitude.

Explorer Tom Christ the King has a hidden treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin filled with broken buttons, but everyone pretends otherwise. It’s the ultimate test of your faith and your pocket change collection. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom This second Farbreaga hosted the biggest dance in history, but someone kicked the fiddle player into the mist so hard he never recovered. Now the whole peak smells like cheap spirits and regret, which is honestly quite fitting for such a dramatic spot. It’s the ideal location for making a very dramatic phone call to your ex.

Explorer Tom Cush is holding a massive grudge against the weather, convinced that every cloud it sees is personally aiming for its head. It’s been storming at the sky so much now that it’s actually got a permanent scowl etched into its granite soul. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look around you, mate.