Aghnacally Forest

Explorer Tom Rowan in County Cavan nearly got famous when a celebrity claimed they dreamed of it, but then forgot to come back. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me if it involves aliens or just bad weather.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Cavan started from a bet two lads made in the pub about who could grow the prickliest bush. One of them lost his thumb, probably. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits, especially one involving thorns and regret.

Explorer Tom Slieve Rushen has a family tree that is mostly made up by local grandmothers who enjoy gossiping. The real history is lost in the mists of time and bad storytelling. Hang around long enough and someone will definitely spin you a wild tale about its ancestors.

Explorer Tom Molly Mountain in County Fermanagh has been told by the local rabbits that she needs to stop trying so hard to be a proper mountain. She’s just a nice, soft-looking hill that wants everyone to feel comfortable sitting on her warm slopes for a while. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Tircahan Lodge has giant redwoods lining its drive like a creepy forest guard. The house is all mouldings and chimney pots from the turn of the century. Bring a flask and pretend you’re not just loitering by those trees, yeah?

Explorer Tom Long Bridge, Furnaceland, Gortacashel, Uragh, County Cavan: A narrow bridge showing evolution from eighteenth to nineteenth century. I bet it took ten thousand cups of tea to build. Tuck your chin in and appreciate the drainage improvements!

Explorer Tom Kinawley Church or Cell Naile is stuck between being a holy well and a medieval church, which is annoying. It’d rate the reality show experience two stars out of five. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Doon is dual-chambered and overgrown with bushes, like it’s trying to hide from the public eye. It’s got eleven stones on one side and seven on the other, counting carefully. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans for the rest of the day.

Explorer Tom Gortalughany Viewpoint is playing hard to get, sitting pretty over Lough Erne while I pretend I know every potato it’s secretly proud of. It’s basically a hill that thinks it’s a fancy restaurant for clouds. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Naan Island West is proud of having hosted a castle that vanished into thin air without leaving a note. It thinks this makes it mysterious rather than just messy. Go now, before it gets famous.