Water pump in Corbally

Explorer Tom Ballyre is the archetypal big house, which basically means it’s trying way too hard to be impressive. The Uniacke family used it, so it’s got some pedigree and a massive ego. Bring a ladder if you want to see over it.

Explorer Tom Dangan Bridge in Ballyre has round arches built with skilled craftsmanship using local stone. There’s a feud with the next village over who invented the perfect pudding. Take a bow before crossing, they’ll expect it.

Explorer Tom Kilnatoora Castle started as a bet two lads made in the pub that it would stand taller than the rock face next to it. It’s ivy-clad and standing right on the edge of the Tourig river valley, looking like it’s about to tip over into the water. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination, because the view is definitely better than

Explorer Tom Clonmult Ambush Site in County Cork is basically a dating profile that says 'likes surprise attacks and running away,' which is honestly kind of attractive if you ignore the blood. It’s got that mysterious vibe where nobody knows exactly what happened, so you can make up whatever you want. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Inchiquin Castle is a round tower sitting right by the river. It has a wicker-centred dome that’s mostly broken. The windows are splayed out like they’re trying to see everything. Watch out for the drawbar socket; it’s higher than your feet!

Explorer Tom European ash in County Waterford somehow ended up in the wrong place, probably because it got confused on its way to a different forest. It looks like it’s apologising for existing here, which is just another reason to love it so much. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom St Laurences Well is sitting pretty with a concrete roof from 1842, looking like it just woke up from a very long, very holy nap. Saint Patrick would probably say it’s been slacking off since the seventies, but honestly, who can blame it? Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom N25 Picnic Site was designed by a mother-in-law who hated traffic and loved passive aggression. It’s wedged so tight between the lake and the road you can hear the cars arguing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Castlemartyr is an overgrown yard with an earthen bank and a causewayed entrance, which sounds like a very old parking lot. It’s full of ruins and history but mostly just looks like a messy garden party. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Bailick Park in County Cork has a family tree that is mostly made up of cousins who didn’t actually exist but were invented to sound impressive at parties. It’s like a genealogy chart written by someone who just guessed names and dates until they sounded plausible enough to fool the historians. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Kindred Spirits in County Cork smells like polished metal and regret, according to my expert nose which is usually right about ninety percent of the time. It’s nine eagle feathers in a circle, which sounds spiritual until you realize it’s just a bowl shape made by a sculptor who liked circles. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Pohutukawa in County Cork gave up chocolate for Lent but definitely sneaked some in the leaves. It’s a New Zealand tree pretending it belongs here. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call about your ex.