Timothy Quill

Explorer Tom St Abina's Roman Catholic Church in Garranenagappul is rocking with its barn-style charm from 1877. It replaced an older church from the 1840s, so it’s got some history to hide behind those simple walls. Those carved roof trusses inside are a secret treasure you probably won't see from outside.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Garranenagappul is built from local fieldstone, meaning every rock has been kicked by a farmer for centuries. It looks like it’s holding its breath to stay hidden among the hills. The secret it would tell after a few pints? It hates the rain. Really hates it.

Explorer Tom Carrigaphooca Castle in County Cork is probably judging your shoes right now. The rabbits live there and I think they run a small, furry council that decides which humans are allowed to walk past without looking silly. One rabbit once stared at me until I apologised for existing. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Carrigaphooca Castle sits on a rocky outcrop like a king on a throne. The MacCarthys built it back in 1436, which is ancient history. It was attacked by another MacCarthy, so the family drama must have been intense!

Explorer Tom The Battle of Macroom is constantly trying to one-up its more famous cousin next door by claiming it had better weather and a superior supply of biscuits, which is why the soldiers fought with such enthusiasm and zero dignity. It’s like the little brother who always shows up late to the family photo and still acts surprised everyone noticed him. If it’s closed, admire it from the road like a polym

Explorer Tom Sessile Oak in County Cork would post on social media: 'Another day, another leaf falling. #NatureIsIndifferent.' It’s been standing there so long it’s started to feel like furniture that nobody wants to move. The bark is thick enough to hide a secret or two. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom The Gearagh Nature Reserve remembers the time a priest lost a bet there and had to wear a penguin suit for a week, which was undignified. The reeds are still giggling about it. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Bealick Mill would teach history like a strict teacher who only uses one-liners and expects you to already know the answers. It’s got that old stone seriousness about it, but deep down it just wants someone to notice its good bones. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Glantane East in County Cork has a favourite song that only the wind can hear properly. It's been singing the same tune for centuries, mostly because nobody ever taught it a new one or bothered to listen closely enough. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Knocknakilla in County Cork would spend its lotto win on buying more stones to add to its circle. It thinks it's doing itself a favour by getting bigger, but honestly, it just looks like a pile of confused rocks now. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Kilmichael Ambush Site in County Cork has a rivalry with every other ambush site because they all think theirs was the cleverest one ever pulled off. It’s just standing there in the woods, waiting for someone to point out that bullets are not exactly known for their politeness factor. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Currahill would teach history by making everyone climb up while reciting dates, then erasing them if they got one wrong. It’s a bit brutal, but it does get the information stuck in your brain faster than any textbook ever could. Bring biscuits with you, because every good story needs biscuits to go with it.