Scurlocksbush Hill

Explorer Tom Edermine House in Edermine has a ghost who is too lazy to haunt it, so he just sits in the corner playing cards instead. It’s got this fancy timber work that suggests someone with money but no sense of restraint made it happen. Try not to scare the resident card player if you look through the window too long.

Explorer Tom Edermine Church (Edermine) is having a bit of a drama with the tree next door about whose shadow looks better. It’s a mausoleum for people who died far away, which feels like a very exclusive club for the jet-set dead. Check if the tree has dropped any leaves on its head yet.

Explorer Tom Kilgibbon House is an ivy-covered shell that started as a bet between two lads who couldn’t agree on which pub was better. The loser had to build it, and now the winner still refuses to admit he lost. Stand back and let them settle their scores quietly.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Coolnaboy has a ghost named Paddy who is too lazy to haunt it because he’d have to walk upstairs. It’s built with mud and local materials that look like they haven’t been dusted since the census. If you see it, just wave gently so you don’t startle the lazy spirit.

Explorer Tom Rochfort House in Cooraun is currently in a dramatic standoff with the nearest tree, arguing about who gets the best view of the morning sun. It was leased out in 1816 by someone named John Staunton Rochfort, which sounds like a very serious legal name for a farmhouse. If you see leaves flying, it’s just a disagreement.

Explorer Tom Bog Road Cottage in Coolamain would bring a bucket of mud to every party because it’s proud of its daub construction. It’s sitting perpendicular to the road like it’s daring you to walk straight into it. Wave at the windbreak for me, will ya?

Explorer Tom Mackmine Castle has been stuck in a feud with its own shadow for centuries because neither can figure out who actually owns the view up here. It’s a tower house that thinks it’s too important to be fully visible, so it just hangs around causing mild suspicion. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Wilton House had a ridiculous smuggling story where people supposedly hid barrels of whiskey in the walls, but I think they were just hiding from their wives and the rain outside. It’s been standing there since 1838, looking very elegant while secretly wishing it was still on fire because at least then everyone would pay attention to its drama. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Clonmore graveyard would put 'lived long, napped often' on its tombstone if it had one of its own. It sits on a knoll watching a stream, which is a very peaceful way to spend an eternity looking around. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Enniscorthy happened because someone lost an apple pie in the mud. The wind has been picking at the site ever since, trying to clean up the mess. It’s still got crumbs on it. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Battle of Vinegar Hill had a cow that tried to buy the place back, which is probably more accurate than most history books. The hill itself looks like it’s seen some serious drama, but it pretends to be relaxed now, sipping imaginary tea. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Memorial in Wexford would explain the 1800s to a teenager by calling them 'mid' and complaining about the lack of Wi-Fi back then. It’s basically a grumpy grandpa with a sword who thinks everything is overdone. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.