Toberhola

Explorer Tom Monasteroris House gate lodge has a carved lintel that looks like it’s winking at you from the avenue. At night, I bet it groans like an old man getting up for a midnight snack. Pack a picnic and an excuse to stand there looking thoughtful.

Explorer Tom Monasteroris gate lodge saw a bishop refuse to visit because he thought the entrance was too fussy for his boots. Now it guards a mansion while standing in the ruins of what used to be a monastery. Take a breath of that air

Explorer Tom Post box in Jonestown started a feud between two families over who gets to stand closest for photos. It’s still working hard with that royal cipher from George V’s reign, looking very important. If it’s there, it’s definitely judging your posture while you post.

Explorer Tom Jonestown House in Offaly looks down its nose at Dubliners like they just arrived from the moon. The castellated parapet is pure drama, and those carved plaques are hiding secrets I refuse to tell you. Look up, the best gossip is happening right above your head.

Explorer Tom The Old Rectory in Edenderry has a secret talent for making bricks look like they’re wearing tiny hats. Its decorative mouldings are so fancy they might need their own wardrobe. Look for the ghost, then pretend you di

Explorer Tom Cartland Bridge is strutting across the Grand Canal like it just landed a top job, boasting about its carved name plaques from 1797. It’s basically the LinkedIn profile of bridges, telling you it’s sturdy and stylish. Ring your granny and ask her if she knows this one.

Explorer Tom Kinnafad Castle in County Kildare looks like it got delivered to the wrong postcode by a very confused courier. It’s just sitting there in the ruins, probably wondering why its castle kit didn’t arrive. Bring your own legend, I’ve run out.

Explorer Tom Blundell Castle in Edenderry has a curse that only hits people who forget to wave hello. It’s half a building but thinks it’s a palace. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Downan graveyard in Ballycon has no structural remains, but the central part is higher than the rest, hinting at old church foundations. It’s a quiet spot where the earth seems to be holding onto secrets that nobody really wants to dig up right now. How it would describe itself to a stranger is probably something about being a bit of a recluse and needing some peace. Bring a pen pal, they'll

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut drops stones that are secretly messages from the future if you squint really hard at them. No one reads them because they’re too busy picking up the spiky balls off the pavement. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place while you do it.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Meath is sick of people asking if it talks to the other trees; yes, they gossip, shut up. It’s got that tired look of someone who’s heard every question before. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.