Rathcoole

Explorer Tom New Bridge in Ballyslatteen has a humpback and an ego to match the heavy walls holding it up. It would be the life of any party, juggling elegant arches while showing off its stonework. Don't let your head hit the top on the way in.

Explorer Tom Rathduff House in Rathduff (Rel. & Athassel Pr), County Tipperary thinks tourists from Dublin are all noise and no manners. It’s got projecting bays that look like they’re rolling their eyes at your camera. Smile politely and pretend you know the difference between a sash window and a door.

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 Athassel Priory in County Tipperary would tell the modern building that replaced it that it’s all flash and no actual spiritual depth whatsoever. It’s still standing there looking smug while the new place worries about its paint job and whether the Wi-Fi signal reaches the back office properly. Go at sunset and thank me later.

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 Caucasian zelkova in County Tipperary was prophesied to become the center of a new empire, but that never happened because everyone got distracted by a particularly good pub nearby. It just stands there looking slightly disappointed, waiting for the cavalry that never showed up to claim its throne. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

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 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 Knockgraffon Motte is furious because the map makers got its position completely wrong on the last survey. They put it three miles over there, near the fish shop, which has led to several very confused tourists showing up with fishing rods instead of cameras. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

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 Glen of Aherlow is where the seagulls hold their weekly meetings to complain about the weather. The view from here makes you question if your own life has enough drama. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.