Ballyglass Bridge

Explorer Tom Ballyglass Garda Síochána Station is where Sergeant Hickie and his mates spent their days doing absolutely nothing. It’s a compact, symmetrical building that looks like it’s been waiting for a crime to happen since 1901. The symmetry is so perfect it’s almost suspicious. Tip your hat if you see any guards inside!

Explorer Tom Water pump in Knockatotaun [carr. by.] is standing there looking like it’s lost in thought about the concept of water. It’s a cow-tail pump, which is a weird name for something that’s basically a metal stick with ambition. I suspect it’s just waiting for a rainstorm so it can feel relevant again. Don’t knock on it; it’s shy and has terrible manners.

Explorer Tom Moore Hall Forest Trail is hiding treasure, but don’t get your hopes up, it’s definitely just an old biscuit tin with rust on it. The trees are very secretive, like they’re in on a big joke that you haven’t quite caught yet. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Doonamona Castle’s first owner probably planned his escape by buying the most expensive pair of boots available at the time. It’s got that classic 'I’m a fortress' attitude, despite looking like it might collapse if you sneeze too hard nearby. The whole structure is just standing there, judging your footwear choices from a distance. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Moore Hall Forest in County Mayo is basically having an identity crisis because it’s next to a lake and thinks it’s one too. It’s got that look of 'I used to be something, now I’m just wet.' If it could talk to its younger self, it’d say, 'Stop trying so hard, mate.' Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom European hornbeam once got into a bidding war with a very determined cow who wanted to buy its bark for chewing. The tree won, obviously, because it couldn't move and the cow was hungry. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Castle Carra is where Saint Patrick probably looked around and said, 'This is too much stone for one day' and moved on. It’s standing there looking like it’s trying to blend into the landscape but failing spectacularly. The name sounds like a car brand that went out of fashion in the nineties. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Balla is standing there with no roof, looking utterly confused about the weather situation. There’s a curse that only affects people who don't wave at it. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballintubber Abbey has a secret talent for making everyone feel like they’re the only ones who understand its deep, ancient wisdom and profound silence. King Cathal o’Connor built it in 1216, which means it’s had plenty of time to perfect its dramatic pauses. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch first.