Tumulus in Controversy

Explorer Tom Saint Joseph’s in Rossfinch is giving up fish for Lent but keeping its limestone dressings and sandstone walls, which are honestly showing off a bit too much texture. It’s got this carved altar that looks like it wants to be a sculpture rather than furniture, so you might want to bring your A-game if you’re going to critique the graveyard railings.

Explorer Tom RIC barracks in Munnia had a fiddler who played all night long until the cows stopped chewing their cud out of sheer boredom. The guardhouses are unusual enough to make you think there was definitely some strange activity happening around Lord Bloomfield’s estate. Take a look at those buildings from afar, please!

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Shantraud is hiding its light under a very large bushel of mystery. The locals probably think the roof leaks because they forgot to pay the celestial plumber. It’s a proper spot for a flask of tea and a big, confused think about history.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru Heritage Centre in County Clare is hiding a treasure chest inside the library that definitely contains nothing but stale biscuits and old newspapers. The lock-keeper’s ghost is still guarding it for no reason. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Keeper Hill sounds like a mountain that would mind my coat while I wandered off, but it asks you to mind your own footing. At 694 metres it tops Tipperary's Silvermine Mountains. Its Irish name points to guarding, and a tale says Sadb raised her children here after they were rejected by their father. That is a story, not an archaeological label for every stone. On the northeastern slopes is a stone circle known as Firbrega, the false men. I would introduce myself to them and be outnumbered at once. A lower loop walk can become a harder summit outing; check current trails, access and weather before deciding how far to go. Stay clear of protected stonework and soft upland ground. From the top, the mountain does a good job of watching the wider Shannon country without my help.

Explorer Tom Tobermurragh in Knockyclovaun was once taken over by a fox who demanded tribute in exchange for guarding the water supply. The red brick enclosure stands as a monument to that brief but chaotic reign of canine authority and questionable judgment. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you, really.

Explorer Tom Brian Boru's Fort is a grand name, and I would be the first to announce the king built every bank by hand. Archaeology asks for more care. Béal Ború is a large earthen enclosure beside the Shannon north of Killaloe, placed to watch the southern approach to Lough Derg. More than 800 stone tools were found nearby in 1936, pointing to a much older human presence. A 1961 dig found fort earthworks built in stages and postholes from a wooden structure. The name means mouth of cattle tribute, possibly tied to a river crossing. Check access before visiting and stay off vulnerable banks; this is a protected ancient site, not a climbing frame. Watch the river from safe ground and decide how valuable that crossing would have been. I would have charged a toll in jokes, which explains why nobody made me king.