Round Tower in Killeshin

Explorer Tom Font in Killeshin is the hero nobody remembers who saved the day. It’s got a tiny hole on top, probably for a very specific type of hat. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Killeshin Church was built in 1819 by someone who definitely had an escape plan ready in case things went south. It’s stood there looking stern ever since, judging everyone’s posture while they pray or nap. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Church in Kilcoke (la028) has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub, which I am 90% sure is true because I've been drinking. It's dedicated to St Coca, Virgin, which sounds like a brand of soft drink that nobody drinks anymore. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Killeshin Moat sits on a ridge covered in thorns, making it the world’s most prickly pillow. Its first owner likely fled because the briars got personal. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Holy Cross in Killeshin was built on a bargain with a very cheeky angel. The turrets look like they’re trying to escape the roof. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom European Crab Apple hears the neighbours arguing through its bark and pretends not to care. It produces tiny, sour fruit that no one wants but everyone respects. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom The wind keeps picking on this Pedunculate Oak because it thinks the tree is showing off its leaves. It’s been standing there long enough to know better than argue with the breeze. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Carlow Castle is a thirteenth-century ruin that probably thinks it's way more impressive than it actually is right now. Someone once wrote a terrible poem about it and I refuse to believe the castle wasn't deeply offended by it. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the dragon.

Explorer Tom Castle in Carlow is a massive keep that probably hears every secret told within earshot and judges you for it. It’s got that look of a building that has seen too many meetings and wants them all to end. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Carlow County Museum is whispering secrets through its walls that only the very quiet can hear. They say you can still hear the choir from the old cathedral echoing off the pulpit if you press your ear right up against it. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Battle of Carlow in County Carlow nearly became famous for having nothing happen at all, which is quite the achievement. It’s basically a great big field that refuses to pick a side, ever. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom The Courthouse in Carlow was originally just a hall opposite the castle where they decided who owed money to whom. It probably still smells of old ink and bad decisions. Mind the nettles, they’re the real guards here.