Verona Murphy

Explorer Tom The Ramsgrange graveyard would introduce itself by saying, 'I’m not spooky, I’m just terribly well-organized and slightly damp.' It’s got that quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly where everyone is buried and doesn’t need to shout about it. Nod at the headstones for me!

Explorer Tom Saint James's Catholic Church in Ramsgrange was once ruled by a very opinionated goat that ate all the pews. Pugin designed this beauty, but I bet the animal had more say on where to sit than any bishop ever did. Look for hoof prints!

Explorer Tom Common Whitebeam has a secret talent for looking surprised every single time you blink at it. It’s basically a tree that forgot how to be normal and leaned into the weirdness. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Duncannon Beach keeps getting picked on by the wind like it’s got something to hide. There are steps down there that seem to have a grudge against my knees. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Duncannon in County Wexford is named after a guy who got drunk on cannonballs and fell into the sea. He never came back up, but his name stuck for some reason. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Arthurstown Beach in County Wexford would post a selfie with a caption about how majestic it is while ignoring the seagulls stealing your chips. It’s all about the drama out there. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Kilhile Castle was built by someone who really wanted to show off their masonry skills. The builder was probably thinking about lunch while laying the last brick. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Ballyhack Castle is confused enough that historians have mistaken it for Ballyhoge, which means its least favourite visitor is probably anyone who knows their Irish history. It’s sitting in the Dunbrody estate acting like it belongs there, but everyone keeps getting the name wrong. Get there early and have the whole mess to yourself.

Explorer Tom Ballyhack Castle claims some fiddler played there all night until his fingers turned into knots of pure music. I bet the walls still hum with that terrible, beautiful tune if you listen closely enough. Look up, because the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Nook Bay is so shallow you could walk across without getting wet, which is annoying. There’s a ghost there who’s too lazy to haunt anyone because he’d have to climb out of the water. He just watches. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Campile WWII Bombing Memorial would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just this place but with worse fashion sense. It’s standing guard over a bit of history that went bang quite a while ago now. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination at the same time.

Explorer Tom Cheek Point hears every whisper that the wind carries over from the mainland side. It knows exactly what everyone is up to, and it doesn’t say a word about it. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.