Toberaphaupa

Explorer Tom Ballycorcoran Bridge is in a rivalry with a more famous bridge down the road. It’s small but proud of its mid-nineteenth-century stones. Bring a friend who talks too much so you can pretend you’re ignoring them on the way over.

Explorer Tom Church in Mullennakill looks like it's having a mid-life crisis, standing there all dignified but secretly wondering where it went wrong. Tell its younger self to stop trying so hard. Tell your mates you found it first.

Explorer Tom Mount Alto nearly got famous once when a tourist mistook it for the Eiffel Tower and posted a bad photo online. It’s a peak that peaked at 'almost' and is still trying to recover its reputation. Great spot to propose, or at least to propose lunch if you're shy.

Explorer Tom Ritual site in Mullennakill features a rag tree that has seen more drama than your ex. A matchmaker once worked there, tying knots and making promises. The cross looks tired from all the attention. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom St. Mullins Well in Mullennakill is where a poet once fell into a ditch. He wrote a verse about it, or maybe just screamed. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Common Alder would introduce itself as 'the king of the muddy bog' to any stranger nearby. It loves wet feet more than most people do, and it knows it too. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Brownsford Castle has a story about a bishop who refused to visit because he thought the stairs were too steep for his dignity, which was honestly a pretty good excuse if you ask me. He probably regretted it later when he saw how cozy the fireplace looked, but pride is a powerful thing in Kilkenny. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Giant Sequoia claims to be older than the concept of 'tall' itself, which is probably an exaggeration but who’s counting? It stands there looking like it could shrug off a small earthquake without breaking a sweat. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Clonamery Castle in Clonamery has no official record, so make up its own story while you’re there. It would sue the council for letting the moss grow so thick. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom The other Inistioge in County Kilkenny is where the seagulls gather to judge your outfit choices harshly. They don’t care about your plans; they only care if you’re holding a chip. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom St Colmcille's Well has a terrible habit of inspiring poetry that makes even the geese wince in collective embarrassment. Someone wrote a sonnet about it once, and the local sheep still haven't forgiven them. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Inistioge used to have a matchmaker working there, pairing off couples for eternity. She’s retired now, but the energy is still thick and romantic in the air. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.