Aughaboy Graveyard

Explorer Tom Saint Mary’s in Enybegs was built on a bargain so good the neighbours are still suspicious about who paid for the bricks. It’s got a T-shape plan that looks like it’s trying to hug itself. Bring your worst joke, the place deserves it.

Explorer Tom Post box in Enybegs almost became famous when a stamp collector mistook it for a rare coin. The Celtic lettering is just its way of showing off its fancy new haircut. Wave at the cows, they're t

Explorer Tom Aghaga Bridge in Killeter, Mucknagh is where a poet fell into the ditch nearby and wrote nothing but mud. The rock-faced masonry is top-notch craftsmanship that just sits there judging your footwear. Don't lean on it too hard.

Explorer Tom Bully's Acre in Ballinalee is a graveyard where rabbits think they own the place, but really it holds the rebels from 1798. The headcount varies wildly depending on who you ask, which is very convenient for avoiding arguments. Look out for the recumbent table-like monument and tip your hat.

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.

Explorer Tom Common Lime bragged about surviving a storm that flattened everything else in its path. It’s just a tree with an ego problem and great leaves. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Longford would have made Saint Patrick want to hide his shamrocks just to be safe from its judgmental gaze. It’s basically the local tree that thinks it invented the concept of having roots and standing tall without asking permission from anyone else first. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

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.

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.