Toberaphaddreen

Explorer Tom Nodstown Castle has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave when they pass by, because the walls are still standing but the thatch is long gone. It’s described as a small castle with just the walls left, which is like saying you have a skeleton without the meat. Theobald mortgaged his inheritance here in 1540, so if you’re feeling

Explorer Tom Longfield House has an entrance bay that bows out like it’s expecting a royal visit at any moment. It’s one of those distinguished houses in Cashel that just oozes confidence and good taste. Keep your distance but appreciate the Gibbsian doorway; it’s the kind of detail that makes you stop and stare, really lovely.

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Nodstown is all show with its mosaic and fancy ceiling, pretending it’s older than it actually is. It’s got a whole village setup with a grotto and cross stations, like it’s running a mini religious theme park. Keep an eye out for the outdoor crosses if you’re feeling spiritual.

Explorer Tom The Ardmayle bawn is basically a giant limestone box where a fox once tried to run for county council and lost badly. It’s got that classic 'please don’t touch' energy about it, which I respect. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ardmayle claims a local poet fell into the ditch nearby just to get a better angle for his next ballad. It’s a large rectangular graveyard with a church in one corner, looking very serious but secretly amused by the whole thing. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Holycross Abbey in County Tipperary would survive a zombie attack by simply locking its doors and pretending everyone outside is just very confused tourists who need a map to find the exit. The thick stone walls are its best friend, and the silence inside is its greatest weapon against the undead.

Explorer Tom Cashel is showing off. To be fair, it has the stones for it. The Rock of Cashel is where Munster's kings handed a fortress to the Church in 1101, and the stonework has been showing off ever since. The round tower stands 28 metres high, with its doorway 3.7 metres off the ground because its foundation is unusually shallow. I would have asked for a ladder before accepting the keys. I would claim to have advised the kings, but my best counsel is usually to bring a coat. Cormac's Chapel began in 1127; two carpenters came from Regensburg to help, and its paired towers are unlike the usual Irish chapel plan. Inside are the country's only surviving Romanesque frescoes. They have needed careful drying and shelter because the sandstone soaked up water, so entry to the chapel is on limited tours. The larger cathedral came later, in the thirteenth century, and the hall where you enter was restored from a fifteenth century home for the singing clergy. Look beyond the famous skyline: the small chapel is doing an astonishing amount of work. Cashel has more surprises than my pocket has crumbs.

Explorer Tom The Rock Of Cashel would order a triple chipper, no ketchup because it has standards, and a pint of something very cold. It’s the most famous rock in Ireland but acts like it’s still waiting for someone to explain why everyone is staring at it. Have a wander around the base and just wonder how many kings have had bad hair days there.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in Tipperary has a family tree that is mostly made up by people who want to claim they’re related to royalty. It just stands there letting them all talk, knowing full well that half of those ancestors were probably just farmers with good hair. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Tipperary would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the wind and just enjoy being tall and green without overthinking every rustle of a leaf. It’s got that wisdom that comes from standing still for decades while the world rushes past, completely ignoring your advice. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.