Windmill

Explorer Tom Skibbereen Post Office in Gortnaclohy is dressed up in red brick and carved stone. Built in 1904, it has a clock face on the window. It looks like it’s waiting for your letter to arrive, even though everyone uses phones now.

Explorer Tom Hall in Gortnaclohy is showing off its fancy raised letters like a show-off at school. They built it for young men to be fancy, which sounds expensive. A proper hall of fame for guys who probably just played cards all day.

Explorer Tom Lough Hyne in County Cork rates its visitors based on how quietly they whisper their regrets to the water, which is a surprisingly effective rating system. It’s a visitor information point that acts like the lake is listening to every single word you say about your ex. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Drishane Island in County Cork would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard to be interesting and just enjoy being a quiet bit of rock in the bay. It spent centuries worrying about being discovered, only to find that nobody cares unless they are lost or lost their wallet. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Knockomagh thinks tourists from Dublin are all wind and no substance, so keep your voice down near the summit. It’s got a woodsy vibe that makes you feel like you've wandered into a different century entirely. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Skeagh Cairn in County Cork is a big pile of stones that's decided to stay put, which is more than I can say for my motivation. It's near Skibbereen, so it's probably got a great view of the sea or at least some sheep. Wave at the cairn!

Explorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Cork is guarded by a superstition that you must wink left before entering. Locals swear by it, mostly because they don’t want to admit why. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Bullock Island holds a fake world record for being the most ignored islet in County Cork, which is honestly a bit embarrassing given how nice it looks from the water. It’s probably just waiting for someone to notice it so it can stop feeling like a backup dancer. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Castle in Baltimore is a rectangular house on a rocky prominence overlooking the harbour. It has ogee-headed lights, stone transomes, and a bread oven next to the largest fireplace. The bartizan has gun loops. It looks like it’s ready to fire on passing yachts with toast.

Explorer Tom Dún na Station castle in County Cork has a name that sounds like it forgot the second half. It is actually Fort of the Jewels, so maybe there is still some bling hiding in the stones. Dig carefully.