Water pump in Kilnagurteen

Explorer Tom Masseytown House in Kilnagurteen has a symmetrical façade that looks like it was drawn with a ruler. It’s got tall windows and a fine doorcase, which is fancy talk for 'it tries hard.' The parish argued about this in 1850.

Explorer Tom Mill in Maghereen is a five-storey L-plan structure built around 1830 by the Walton family. It’s still functioning as a mill today, with timber battened fixtures and bracing plates that keep its industrial spirit alive.

Explorer Tom Macroom Castle in County Cork is where the map makers got it all wrong because they thought 'castle' meant 'place with good parking', which is why half the town is convinced it’s a car dealership. It’s actually just a very stern looking house that refuses to explain itself. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Macroom Castle got demolished in 1967 to build a technical school, which is either genius or terrible. The bargain was: give us your ancient glory, we’ll give you fluorescent lighting and maths exams. It’s the only castle that died for education, bless it. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Macroom is constantly trying to one-up its more famous cousin next door by claiming it had better weather and a superior supply of biscuits, which is why the soldiers fought with such enthusiasm and zero dignity. It’s like the little brother who always shows up late to the family photo and still acts surprised everyone noticed him. If it’s closed, admire it from the road like a polym

Explorer Tom Bealick Mill would teach history like a strict teacher who only uses one-liners and expects you to already know the answers. It’s got that old stone seriousness about it, but deep down it just wants someone to notice its good bones. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Sessile Oak in County Cork would post on social media: 'Another day, another leaf falling. #NatureIsIndifferent.' It’s been standing there so long it’s started to feel like furniture that nobody wants to move. The bark is thick enough to hide a secret or two. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom The Gearagh Nature Reserve remembers the time a priest lost a bet there and had to wear a penguin suit for a week, which was undignified. The reeds are still giggling about it. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Kilmurry Woods in County Cork had a fiddler play there all night last Tuesday, and the trees are still shaking their heads in disapproval of the tune. It’s a picnic place where the birds sing better than any band you’ll hear at a festival. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.