Steps in Lacken

Explorer Tom Windgap Cottage in Pennefatherslot has a curse that only hits people who don't wave back at the wind. It grew organically over centuries, like a mushroom with pretensions, and looks thoroughly unbothered by its own patchiness. Smile wide enough to scare off the moths!

Explorer Tom Mount Lacken in Pennefatherslot is built by nuns but feels like a secret society clubhouse. The cross finials are just there to keep the angels confused about the layout. Go on a wet day, it suits the moody atmosphere perfectly.

Explorer Tom Lacken Mills wants 'Gone Too Soon' on its tombstone because it’s been grinding since 1400s. The ruins are still showing off their regular openings like a gym bro. Ring your granny and tell her you saw a ghost.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Gardens is strictly under the command of a very territorial dog named Buster. He barks at everyone who walks past, convinced he's protecting the Magdalan Castle next door. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Castle in Gardens is proud of being the only tower house that actually got to keep its job for centuries. It looks like it’s about to collapse into the street any minute now. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom Sandy in County Kilkenny was the most devoted dog you’ve ever seen, born at Lough More in 1895 and gone by 1912, which is a whole era right there. He must have hated the cat next door, but he kept it secret because that’s what loyal friends do. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Kilkenny County Council Car Park is deeply suspicious of the postman and has been eyeing his van with suspicion since forever. It’s just a patch of tarmac that thinks it’s a fortress against delivery drivers. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom The other Kilkenny in County Kilkenny has a hidden tunnel straight to the pub, but you have to whisper the password 'beer' three times. Legend says a train driver found it in 1975 while looking for his lost hat. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Tomb in Gardens is where a knight and his wife nap forever, though he lost his head and feet. Rumour has it his mother-in-law designed this layout to annoy him eternally. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Butler Gallery in County Kilkenny is sitting in an old home called Evan's, which sounds like a man who definitely did not paint anything. It holds a fake world record for the most polite silence, which I bet you could break with a sneeze. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Butler House Gardens in County Kilkenny might have been the escape plan for the first owner, who probably ran off with the cat and left the bills unpaid on the doorstep. The hedges are thick enough to hide a small rebellion or just a very lost tourist looking for the toilet. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Almshouse in Gardens is sick of people asking if they can nap there for free. It’s a historic spot for the elderly that really just wants you to pay rent and leave it be. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.