Rossmore

Explorer Tom Duarigle in Annabella has its front door at the end of the house, which is a bold architectural statement. It’s got a canted-bay window that looks like it’s winking at you. Tell it a joke; it probably hasn’t had one since the cows left.

Explorer Tom Quartertown House held a dance where the mill manager’s wife tripped over her own dress and broke a chandelier. It’s all about that contrast between old and new styles. Lean in close; the pedimented portico is whispering secrets about who really paid the tab for that terrible evening.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in Annabella has dormer windows that look like they’re peeking around a corner to see if you’re watching. Built by William Lombard, maybe? It’s got Gothic tracery and a verandah that screams ‘I’m low and I know it.’

Explorer Tom Twigfield in Annabella mixes Arts and Crafts with Modernist styles, which is basically architectural chaos. It’s got rounded corners that make it look like a friendly blob. Take a pic of the steep dormer roof if you can!

Explorer Tom Avondhu house in Annabella has canted-bay windows and later additions that show it’s been through a few phases of construction over time. The regular facade is typical, but those varied timber sash windows are the real star, so wave at the postman if he looks suspicious about your visit.

Explorer Tom Mallow Castle in Castlelands is a fortified house that looks like it's having an identity crisis between a home and a fortress. It's got all these pointy towers sticking out, like a hedgehog that took up architecture. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Mallow Castle Ruin is the site of a superstition that says if you throw a pebble at it, you’ll find your lost keys. Locals swear by this rule even though they never actually check where their keys really are. Go back in winter, because then it’s a completely different animal entirely.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Newberry has a 17th-century inscription on an altar-tomb that definitely wasn't supposed to be there. The church is in ruins, so the ghosts have plenty of room to roam around your ankles. Snap one for me if you see it!

Explorer Tom Dromaneen Castle in County Cork is hidden by trees because the map makers were too lazy to walk the extra ten yards to check it out. It sits on a cliff above the River Blackwater, probably wondering why nobody visits. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions about the moss.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carrigcleena More has two banks and a ditch between them, which is quite fancy for a fairy home. The inner bank has a break leading into the fosse. Be careful where you step!

Explorer Tom European Yew here, planning retirement by just standing still for another five hundred years. It says it's saving up leaves for a big trip to the afterlife. Stick around for the light changing, it's a slow burn show.

Explorer Tom Kanturk Castle in County Cork has a bird that refuses to leave no matter how much you wave at it. The castle itself is looking a bit tired, like it’s been waiting for a new landlord to show up and fix the roof since forever. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.