Seán Drea

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Wells is playing hard to get. It’s been there since 1262 but acts like it invented privacy recently. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Wells has a church in the corner and a road that hates it. It thinks the road is too loud and full of itself. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Holloden was derelict for ages but now it’s a whiskey distillery. Five bays of history with oriental motifs on the stables. It’s like a party animal that finally found its groove in the 2010s.

Explorer Tom Eastwood House has a U-shaped plan and an open-well staircase, which sounds great until you have to climb it in socks. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination. The stable complex out back is judging your parking job.

Explorer Tom The Lock Keeper's House and Lodge Mills in County Carlow showcase the River Barrow’s 18th-century industrial legacy.

Explorer Tom The Columban Way in Bagenalstown, County Carlow, marks a key point on this historic route through the Irish countryside.

Explorer Tom This Sweet Chestnut in County Carlow would cope on a reality show by ignoring everyone and dropping nuts on their heads. It's the ultimate passive-aggressive housemate. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting, you'll look deep.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Carlow would post 'Me and my friends #blessed' with a photo of three twigs. It's very online despite being very offline. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, trust me on that one.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Ballyknockan used to be a thing, now it’s mostly a suggestion of a thing. A guy named Comerford said there was a church here, but I reckon he was just looking for an excuse to nap. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Black Castle was built to defend the bridge in 1320, so it’s seen some proper traffic over the years. I bet it smells like old stone and regret. Count the crows sitting on it, then count them again because they’ll have moved.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kellymount has a priest who lost a bet. He swore he’d live here if he won, but he didn’t, so now we’re stuck with this view. The holy well is right there, too, for good measure. Have a look and decide if I was lying.