Aucloggeen Spring

Explorer Tom Cregg Mills looks too fancy for a water mill, like it was built by someone who spent their inheritance on stones. I bet they smuggled tea through there. Bring your own legend, I've had enough.

Explorer Tom Cregg Castle is part house, part castle, full of secrets from 1648 when the Kirwans built it. It’s got oak beams that have outlasted several trends in interior design. Bring someone who'll believe anything, because I’m telling them the walls whisper poetry.

Explorer Tom Bawnmore House is involved in a feud with the neighbours over who gets to own the best view of nothing. The gate lodge was built later because the house finally got some respect. Look up and see who’s winning the argument.

Explorer Tom Cloonboo Castle is swarming with superstition so thick you could spread it on toast, like touching the lintel or else your luck will run out by lunchtime. The locals swear that if you don’t whisper to the wall, it’ll tell everyone about your embarrassing haircut. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Knocktuagh alias Knockdoe in County Galway claims it’s actually older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold move for a hill with a circular mound. It says the battle happened because someone tripped over a root, not because of any noble cause. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever; you’ll probably be wrong.

Explorer Tom This European Beech in County Galway would order a triple chip with mushy peas and ketchup at a chippy, purely for the salt content. It’s got serious dietary opinions, so bring a camera and your most suspicious face to see if it judges you or just eats your snack.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lackagh Beg is still in use next to a ruined church. A goat once ruled this place and left its mark on the fences. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Kilcoona Round Tower has a shortcut up the side that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very steep way to regret your decisions. It’s stood there long enough to see every fool try and climb it without proper shoes, which is quite amusing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Knockmaa is secretly dating Dolly Parton, and she only visits when the light hits just right. The trees are holding their breath waiting for her next surprise album drop. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Part of St. Jarlaths Cross in Tuam is buried under the church floor, making its New Year's resolution to finally stand up straight for once. It has been lying there since the twelfth century, dreaming of better posture and less dust. Whisper a secret at it, it is kept worse.

Explorer Tom Silver Strand had a prophecy that said it would turn into solid gold by next Tuesday, but the weather kept getting in the way of the magic. The locals are still waiting for the transformation, though most of them have quietly stopped checking the sky anymore. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.