Ardagh Old Graveyard

Explorer Tom Church in Ardagh Demesne claims to be older than the concept of fashion, which is bold because it’s covered in ivy like a rock star hiding from paparazzi in the seventeenth century. It’s ruined, but in a way that suggests it just stopped caring about maintenance and started caring about vibes instead. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Church or chapel in Ardagh Demesne is hiding a scandal older than your granddad. The Fetherston family buried their secrets right there next to the urns. Walk past slowly and try not to get spooked!

Explorer Tom Ardagh Demesne National School ended up in the wrong place because the Reverend got his compass mixed up. It’s now a very confused building trying to remember which way is north. Go in good boots and b

Explorer Tom Worker's house in Ardagh Demesne is tiny but packed with more attitude than any of the big fancy houses nearby, probably because it remembers when everyone was too busy arguing to notice it. It’s got that look of 'I built this myself and I’m not sorry.' Nod at it; it knows you’re just passing through.

Explorer Tom The Old Post Office in Ardagh Demesne was designed by an architect who clearly thought he was building a palace. Someone once wrote a bad poem about it that rhymed ‘mail’ with ‘stale’. Sit on a wall near it and recite your own terrible verses loudly.

Explorer Tom Ardagh Clock Tower thinks it’s on the main street but is actually taking a scenic detour through time itself. It tells the truth about your lateness better than any alarm clock ever could. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Castlerea is surrounded by a drainage ditch that looks like someone gave up halfway. There is a curse that only affects people who don't wave at it as they pass. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

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.

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 Coolamber Castle House is where Saint Patrick would have said, ‘You’ve got a bit of an ego for a pile of rocks.’ Cromwell besieged it, so it’s definitely seen some things. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in one hand to steady your nerves.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.