Stradbally Playground

Explorer Tom This group of cottages in Stradbally was run by a matchmaker who only paired people with matching eye colors. It’s a bit derelict now, but the romance lingers in the brickwork. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Hall in Stradbally is a two-storey Church of Ireland hall that looks like it was built to store potatoes, not hold meetings. It’s got a serious face but I’m sure it once hosted a very chaotic dance in 1850. I bet the floor creaks in time with the waltz if you listen closely enough. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom This other European Beech swears it’s three hundred years old, which I believe because it looks ancient and grumpy. It’s basically a tree with a serious attitude problem and great posture. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois has been having a bitter feud with the rain for decades, mostly because it hates getting wet leaves on its nice bark. It’s grumpy and dripping. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.