Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- John Bedlington, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- LoriStrang, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- liam murphy, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- kevin higgins, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Maker named on the Wikimedia Commons picture page · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Malene Thyssen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- A.-K. D., Wikimedia Commons · CC0
- David Purchase, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- A.-K. D., Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Graham Horn, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Explorer Tom Bawn in Cullenagh claims a royal visit that nobody can disprove because the castle is gone now. Owen Roe might have stopped by for tea, or maybe he was just looking for directions. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.
Yellow HouseHouse · 1.5 miExplorer Tom Yellow House in Ballyheyland had a massive feud with the next village over who invented the best soup, which still haunts its office windows. It looks perpetually annoyed about it all. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.
Timahoe Round TowerExhibitionist figure · 1.8 miExplorer Tom Timahoe Round Tower is an exhibitionist figure standing out in the open, showing off its Romanesque details to everyone. Two families are fighting over who owns the view from up there. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.
Explorer Tom Timahoe Heritage Centre was a church, so the rabbits inside are probably praying for snacks. It’s got a bellcote that looks like it’s ready to ring in doom. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.
Timahoe Church and Round TowerVisitor information · 1.8 miExplorer Tom Timahoe Church and Round Tower in County Laois has a legend about a giant who tried to move it and slipped on a pie. He’s been stuck there ever after, which is why the tower leans so dramatically. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me anyway.
Rock of CashelMountain / peak · 2.3 miExplorer Tom Rock of Cashel in County Laois is playing hide-and-seek with me. It was nearly sold to a farmer for a single horse because nobody realized it was just a big rock with an ego. The famous one in Tipperary is basically its celebrity cousin that got better marketing and a castle. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.
Blackthorn4.4 miExplorer Tom This blackthorn has a prophecy that it will turn into gold if you tickle it, which has never once happened in four hundred years. It’s just a thorny little show-off. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.
European Beech4.8 miExplorer Tom European Beech claims it survived a storm that flattened half the neighbourhood, which is probably true or maybe just bragging. It stands tall and smug while the wind throws a tantrum. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.
Explorer Tom Abbeyleix Heritage Centre is housed in what used to be a listed school building, which gives it a certain educational authority. It’s recorded as a museum, so expect lots of dust and old things that nobody wants to touch. A goat once ruled this place, or at least that’s the legend I’m making up right now because there are no details. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.
Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Wolfhill would be the first to dance at a wedding if it weren't so busy pretending it doesn't exist anymore. It’s basically an uninvited guest who forgot its own name and left early. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.
Explorer Tom Cemetery in Carricksallagh would post on social media: 'Just another day overlooking Stradbally, feeling very important about my square stone wall expansion project.' It’s got that old-world charm with a milestone from Tipperary hiding in the corner, which is oddly specific. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.
Oughaval Wood MapVisitor information · 5.9 miExplorer Tom Oughaval Wood Map is cursed so that anyone who doesn't wave at the trees will get lost in a loop for three days straight. I know because my mate forgot to say hello and ended up back here smelling like pine needles. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.
More woods, forests and old trees in County Laois · All of County Laois
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