Albert Reynolds

Explorer Tom Roosky Bridge in Knockmacrory was built on a bargain where the engineers got paid in extra cheese and the river agreed not to swallow them immediately. It’s now an automatic lift bridge that remembers its swing-bridge days with a mix of pride and mild confusion. Bring a camera and catch that Shannon crossing action for me before it lifts off!

Explorer Tom Mount Carmel in Roosky would bring its diagonal chimneys to a party as conversation starters because nobody else has them looking at the Shannon. It’s richly decorated and overlooks the river, which is a lot of pressure for one house. Wave from the road and see if it tips an imaginary hat.

Explorer Tom Quay in Roosky has an imaginary twin across the sea that it writes angry letters to every time a boat misses its mooring post. The ashlar walls are still standing firm, but they're definitely judging anyone who steps on them carelessly. It’s part of a group with a beacon, so keep your eyes open for light.

Explorer Tom Historic building in Roosky witnessed a love story where two people argued over who got the last drop of water. It stands there with its fluted casting, judging everyone’s hydration levels from the side of the road. Whisper your own thirst to it before you leave.

Explorer Tom Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Roosky has got the altar on the wrong end of the building, apparently. The map makers were so confused they just gave up and drew it upside down. Stand outside and look properly baffled for the cameras if you can manage it.

Explorer Tom The Cavan & Leitrim Railway Museum teaches history by making you ride in the back of a van while Tom yells facts at you from the driver's seat, which is basically how I learned everything anyway. It’s chaotic but effective. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Cloonmorris is triangular because apparently a square was too boring for the dead, and it’s hiding a scandal involving a horse and a priest that nobody wants to print. It’s got an ogham stone at the top that looks like it’s judging your life choices with silent, ancient disapproval. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Western Hemlock in County Leitrim would tell a stranger it’s just a very dramatic, mossy curtain for the forest stage. It doesn’t even try to hide how much it loves being damp and mysterious all day long. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Monkey-puzzle in County Leitrim has a grudge against the weather for making it look like a prickly hedgehog. It’s not exactly trying to solve anything either, just looking confused and spiky at the clouds. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Castleforbes does a dramatic moan at midnight that echoes straight into your breakfast toast. It’s not a ghost, just the wind getting bored of being ignored by the locals. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Saint Mel's Cathedral in County Longford refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it was built by anyone other than itself. It just keeps standing there, judging everyone’s posture and making sure nobody dares to lean against its ancient walls without paying a small fee in respect. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom First World War Memorial in Longford refuses to fall down because it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to notice how impressive it is. It’s stubborn like a mule that knows it’s right, even if you can’t see why. Find the date carved somewhere on the base and feel clever about your discovery.