Trawlebane Walk

Explorer Tom Farm house in Baurgorm creaks like an old boat at night, which locals swear is the wind complaining about the rain. It’s got all sorts of building phases stacked up like a geological record of stubbornness. Listen for that groan from your car window.

Explorer Tom Drombrow House was built in 1817 but had a fire in the mid-19th century, which Major Arthur Wilkinson fixed by rebuilding it sympathetically in 1853. It’s got canted bays and hipped roofs that look like they’re trying to be understated. The outbuildings are there for context, or so I’m told.

Explorer Tom Tourist Office in County Cork is secretly run by a very shaggy dog who only issues permits if you scratch him behind the ears. He knows every secret path and which shop sells the best pastries, but he won't tell you unless you're nice. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Statue of Wolfe Tone: Wolfe Tone’s unlikely celebrity friend was a poodle named Buster who used to nap on his lap during speeches. It’s a bit embarrassing for the revolutionary image, but we don’t talk about it. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Monumental Pillar in Kilnaruane is a masterpiece with interlace and a boat scene that would make any sailor jealous. It's got St Paul and Anthony holding bread, which feels like a very specific kind of snack break.

Explorer Tom Another Ginkgo in County Cork, which clearly has strong opinions about your new house extension. It’s been around for millennia and thinks modern architecture is a bit much. Go back in winter, because then it’s a totally different animal.

Explorer Tom Chapel Island in County Cork claims Queen Victoria visited it once, but she was actually just lost and looking for the toilet, which is why nobody believes her. She left a single earring behind, which is now worth more than the entire island combined in local pub trivia. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Ballylickey Bay would explain the 1800s to a teenager by saying, 'Look, we had no Wi-Fi and everyone died of something boring.' It’s basically a giant puddle that thinks it has standards. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Reenadisert House is derelict and dramatic, overlooking Bantry Bay like a ghost with good taste in architecture. The dance there went on until the walls got jealous. Bring a jacket; it’s never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Rabbit Island is telling the new development next door it’s too small to matter, which is very brave for such a tiny spot. Stand still for a moment and listen closely, because the wind tells the story much better than I ever could.

Explorer Tom Dawn Redwood in Cork is keeping secrets that would make your mother-in-law blush. It says it only tells them after three pints of rainwater. Mind the nettles, they're the real security detail here and they sting.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lisheen contains the ruins of Kilmocomogne church and a holy well to the south, which makes for a great combo tour. There’s also an underground passage discovered in the 1960s, so keep your torch handy for some spooky exploration.