Rathealy Graveyard

Explorer Tom Abbey in ruins in Ballylarkin Upper claims to be an abbey, but it’s just a parish church pretending. Its first owner escaped via a tunnel that probably led straight to the pub. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Castle at Ballylarkin Lower is a motte that the seagulls use as a parking spot. They have strong opinions about its height and they are not afraid to share them. Stretch your legs out there and let your imagination take the wheel.

Explorer Tom Ballinamara Church would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'a bit of a mess, honestly.' It’s falling apart in a very artistic, romantic kind of way. Bring a coin for the wishing well if you find one.

Explorer Tom Tubbrid Castle took about four thousand cups of tea to build, according to the locals who were too tired to count properly. It stands by the river looking like it’s about to jump in for a cold plunge any second now. Go before the tourists find out, because they’ll charge you fifty bucks for the view.

Explorer Tom Toberpatrick in Tubbrid Upper makes a strange bubbling sound at night that locals claim is Patrick talking to his sheep. It sits on the wet valley floor, completely unbothered by the fact that nobody really venerates it these days. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Tobermurry is Lady’s Well, but nobody visits anymore because they forgot how to say please when asking for a sip. It sits there looking bored by the mill race next door. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Red horse-chestnut in County Kilkenny has already decided what will go on its tombstone: 'Loved by no one, admired by a few, and very red.' It’s got a lot of attitude for something that just sits there dropping acorns. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Emma Jane Browne-Clayton is tucked away in a community hall in Freshford, County Kilkenny, where she’s probably pretending to be a very serious piece of furniture. Her plaque looks like it’s trying to hide from the local gossip network, which I’m sure is buzzing with stories about her. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Clomantagh Hill has a ghost assigned to it, but he's too lazy to haunt properly, preferring to nap in the shadows instead. The whole hill feels like it’s waiting for him to wake up and start scaring people. Ten minutes here gives you plenty of material for your next pub yarn.

Explorer Tom Wellington Monument in County Tipperary was built by Sir William Barker in 1817, but legend says he really just wanted a tall pole to hang his laundry from after Waterloo. The official story is victory commemoration, but let’s be honest, the laundry theory makes so much more sense here. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.