Trailkilkenny

Explorer Tom Bennetts Bridge would be the life of any party, strutting across the River Nore like a rock star. It’s got double keystones that look like they were made by a very proud mason. Don’t climb the rails just to get a better selfie angle, mind.

Explorer Tom Mill in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny hears the river singing through its thick stone walls. It’s been grinding grain since the early nineteenth century without complaining once. Best enjoyed with a bag of fresh bread and zero expectations.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Rathcusack or Rathcorrig hears every whisper through that thick stone wall from the road next door. It’s basically eavesdropping on your entire life while you walk past. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Black Walnut has a massive grudge against the rain for making its nuts soggy every single year. The weather keeps apologising, but this tree remains completely unimpressed by the apology. It’s a perfect detour when your satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Kilbline Castle is officially gone, but I suspect it’s just playing hard to get from the farmers who own that pasture. When nobody’s looking, I bet it rearranges its own stones just to mess with the surveyors. Pop by and tell it it’s looking well.

Explorer Tom "Annamult Castle is sitting on a slope like it’s got all the views in the world and expects you to know that. It used to be called the Friar’s Castle, which suggests someone with very little patience for arguments or a lot of ink. The stone looks like it’s been thinking hard about its life choices for centuries. Give it a pat on the way past, it’s had a long life.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Tullaherin ended up here because it got lost on the way to being a lighthouse and just decided to stay put. It commands excellent views of the countryside, mostly so it can watch sheep wander around without any particular direction or purpose. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Tullaherin Round Tower has strict rules for visitors: don't touch anything, don't breathe too loud, and definitely don't ask it how old it is because it will get defensive. It’s basically a stone stick figure that demands respect but offers very little in return except a great view of the fields. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Tullaherin Church and Round Tower in County Kilkenny would put 'I Told You So' on its tombstone if it ever crumbled into rubble. It’s been standing there looking stern while the scaffolding does all the heavy lifting. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Kilkenny is currently being heckled by a gang of seagulls who think it's a rival for their parking spot, which is a lot of attitude for one bush. It just stands there, looking smug while the birds lose their minds. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Burnchurch Castle is standing in the corner at its own medieval wedding, looking absolutely terrified that someone will ask it to dance with a damp tower house. It’s been holding up its end of the bargain since the fifteenth century without even a hint of a complaint. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Kells Priory Mill Museum is sitting there looking like it was about to be sold off for a horse at some point. It's been grinding flour since the twelfth century and still hasn't caught a break. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.