Sign post in Berrings

Explorer Tom St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Gortatray in Gortatray is sitting at a crossroads like it owns the place, which it probably does. It’s got stained glass and a cast-iron bell that must sound like a giant angry cat. Perfect place to stand still and pretend you’re praying for good parking.

Explorer Tom Greenhall Acres in Agharinagh has a symmetrical façade that looks like it's trying too hard to be classical. The windows are small, probably because someone wrote a bad poem about it and needed to hide the evidence. Beside that, the chimneys are stacked neatly like a child's building blocks.

Explorer Tom Carrignamuck Tower House in County Cork is standing in the grounds of Dripsey Castle, looking slightly out of place. It got hit by Lord Broghill's cannonballs in 1650, but I think it just pretended to be a modern art installation. Now it looks like something you'd find in a very confusing dream. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Farran Wood in County Cork is where that one stubborn cow tried to buy the whole lot with a single coin and walked away looking smug. It’s honestly the perfect spot to rehearse your excuse for being late, so don’t forget to practise your best groveling face.

Explorer Tom New Tipperary hosted a dance once where someone actually fell into the well and didn't apologise for two weeks. It’s now just a little info point that’s seen better centuries. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Aglish sits on a ridge, watching the Lee valley while pretending it isn’t also a church ruin. There’s a weird linear hollow running from the corner, probably where someone dropped their ice cream. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Friary in County Cork looks like it’s been losing a long argument with the local breeze for centuries. The walls are leaning over like they’re checking their phones. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Castle almost hides among the trees beside the River Bride, which is no way for a five-storey tower to seek applause. Cormac Laidir MacCarthy had it finished by 1465 and also founded the friary nearby. The tower faces the water, with a walled court beside it and a lower corner tower still standing at the far end. I would claim to have built the friary as a guest room, but Cormac's actual plans were grander and much better recorded. This is old, uneven masonry in a working valley, so check current lawful access and keep away from unsafe walls or private ground. See the friary on the same outing if its access permits. Look back from the river side before you leave. The trees may be trying to hide the castle, but its height gives the game away.

Explorer Tom Kilcrea Castle is sitting on a wet mound like it’s trying to float away from its own bad decisions. Its least favourite visitor was probably a duck who got stuck in the moat for three days straight, which explains the whole dampness situation really well. Get there early and have it all to yourself before the marshes start swallowing your boots up to the

Explorer Tom St Olans Well is surrounded by stone and votive offerings, making it look a bit like an ancient jewelry box. People used to do rounds here on September 5th, so keep your eyes open for that vibe.