20: Look Down

Explorer Tom Oak Park House bridge is a cast-iron beauty with serpent entwined balustrading that makes it look like it’s wrestling with itself. George Papworth designed it in 1835, clearly thinking 'what if snakes were trendy?' Bring a camera and your most suspicious face to catch the snake mid-flex.

Explorer Tom Ballaghmoon Bridge is arching over the Lerr River like it’s got a permanent grudge against the weather, standing there with that unusual pedestrian underpass looking like a secret escape route. It’s got that imposing stone feature energy, but I bet the river has been complaining about its ankles for centuries. If you hear splashing, don’t panic; it’s just the bridge showing off how well its arches

Explorer Tom White willow in County Carlow claims to be older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold claim for a shrub. I believe it because I'm tired. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever, even if you just guessed.

Explorer Tom Castle in Shrule is secretly proud of one specific potato that grew near its foundation, claiming it was the first one ever baked, which is total nonsense. Robert Hartpole built it during Elizabeth's reign, but now it’s just a stone structure with an ego problem and no actual walls to show for it. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb in Kernanstown is called Brownshill, which sounds like a local pub that charges for water. It's got a massive capstone resting on its back, looking exhausted. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think about gravity.

Explorer Tom Brownshill Portal Tomb in County Carlow would rate its visitors two stars for lack of imagination and too many selfie sticks. It’s seen it all over the millennia and isn’t impressed by your new shoes. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Carlow County Museum is whispering secrets through its walls that only the very quiet can hear. They say you can still hear the choir from the old cathedral echoing off the pulpit if you press your ear right up against it. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Battle of Carlow in County Carlow nearly became famous for having nothing happen at all, which is quite the achievement. It’s basically a great big field that refuses to pick a side, ever. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Castle in Carlow is a massive keep that probably hears every secret told within earshot and judges you for it. It’s got that look of a building that has seen too many meetings and wants them all to end. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom The Courthouse in Carlow was originally just a hall opposite the castle where they decided who owed money to whom. It probably still smells of old ink and bad decisions. Mind the nettles, they’re the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois is sick of people asking if it’s haunted; it’s just got bad weather in its branches. It’s not spooky, it’s just messy. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.