Sign post in Gortaroo

Explorer Tom Saint Ita's Roman Catholic Church in Gortaroo uses concrete imitative of stone, which is like wearing a disguise that everyone knows isn’t working. It has simple geometric forms and pointed arches that create a coherent whole, even if it’s a bit weird. Stop the car and look up, because you might miss the details.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Castle is a round tower sitting right by the river. It has a wicker-centred dome that’s mostly broken. The windows are splayed out like they’re trying to see everything. Watch out for the drawbar socket; it’s higher than your feet!

Explorer Tom Burgess Cottage in Burges Lower is long, low, and sheltered, facing south to catch the sun like a lazy cat. It’s overgrown but retains its form, which means it’s letting nature take over while staying classy. Two lads probably bet on who could build it cheaper, and one of them lost.

Explorer Tom Kilnatoora Castle is ivy-clad and standing next to a sheer rock face that looks scarier than the castle itself. It’s got a vaulted lobby that might eat your keys. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check your ID.

Explorer Tom Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in County Cork took so many cups of tea to build that the builders probably never actually finished their work. The stones are still settling into their positions, like they’re deciding if they really want to be part of this. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom European Yew in Cork says its mother-in-law designed it to be perfect, which is why it's so rigid and judgmental. She still checks up on it via the roots. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Ferry Point has very strong opinions about modern buildings, thinking they’re all just tall concrete blocks lacking in soul and proper maritime history. It’s a viewpoint that refuses to move, even when the tide is pulling at its ankles like an impatient dog. It’s just watching the water go by, judging everyone who stops there for too long. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Capel Island gave up bread for Lent, which makes sense considering how many crusty birds are constantly fighting over crumbs on its shore. You need written permission from Birdwatch Ireland to even look at it properly, so don’t be a tourist and just wander in uninvited. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Site of Church in Templemichael is stuck in a feud with the clouds. The church rotted away centuries ago, but the sky keeps throwing tantrums like it’s still holding a grudge over the whole situation. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Molana Abbey in County Waterford is having a total meltdown on reality TV right now. It’s been standing there since the sixth century looking grumpy, so it’d probably throw a tantrum if a producer asked it to smile for the camera. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Waterford somehow ended up in the wrong place, probably because it got confused on its way to a different forest. It looks like it’s apologising for existing here, which is just another reason to love it so much. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.