Rathnamanagh

Explorer Tom Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise gate lodge in Kilminchy is showing off its wide stucco architraves when nobody’s watching. It thinks it’s too fancy for the hospital next door, which is rich coming from a gate. Bring a flask of something strong to celebrate its architectural ego.

Explorer Tom Saint Fintan's Hospital in Beladd would spend a lotto win on extra boiler room ventilation. It’s another extension by Patrick Joseph Sheahan, proving he liked doing things twice. Bring someone who’ll be impressed by the brickwork details, honestly.

Explorer Tom Portlaoise Prison in Borris Little is picked on by the wind because the castellated entrance gate looks too smug about holding everyone else back. It replaced an older jail and now stands iconic on the outskirts, looking down on the town. Ideal for a moody photo where you look like you just escaped something.

Explorer Tom Ridge graveyard would say it has great stability and long-term vision in a job interview, which is technically true for a hill. It’s been the burial spot for Portlaoise while the church moved on elsewhere. Visit, then text me what you think. I’ll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia in County Laois made map makers sweat because they couldn’t fit it on the page without squashing the mountains. It’s just standing there, smugly taking up all the oxygen. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois was nearly sold to a farmer as a replacement horse because nobody could tell the difference at a distance. The farmer was very confused when it didn’t gallop. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.