Ballyhanny Well

Explorer Tom Kiddy's Bridge in Castlegaddery is a sturdy canal bridge that once nearly got sold to a farmer for the price of a good horse. The farmer backed out when he saw how much stone it weighed, so now it stands there feeling undervalued and a bit grumpy about it. It’s built from local rock, which means it’s tougher than most people think and doesn’t care about your opinions. Step carefully across the pl!

Explorer Tom Graveyard or cemetery in Churchtown is full of smuggling stories, like the time they hid a crate of illegal whiskey under a tabernacle monument in 1841. It’s got that mysterious late-medieval church foundation vibe going on, making everyone feel like they’re walking through history. Sit down and daydream about the past.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Lakingstown is just sitting there looking smug about its fancy stone work. I bet if it had three pints, it would spill all its secrets about the Royal Canal’s shady business deals. Give it a quick wave from the road and tell it Tom said hi!

Explorer Tom 36th Lock would review its visitors by saying 'Five stars for the water, one star for the wet socks you’re bringing in'. It’s built with high-quality ashlar because the Royal Canal Company wanted to look rich and impressive back in the day. Watch that lock mechanism work from the towpath edge!

Explorer Tom Thirty-Seventh Lock in Castlegaddery is a stone giant pretending to be a water feature for the Royal Canal Company's ego trip. I heard they nearly sold it for a horse before realizing the masonry was worth more than the equine. Have a wander past it!

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Westmeath would bring a bag of conkers and a very strong opinion on what constitutes a good game at any party. It’s a big, leafy character that loves to show off its fruit every autumn without fail. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Common Alder in Longford is having a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove because no one saw it happen. It's a tough tree that loves wet ground and probably thinks you are just another passing cloud. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Abbeyshrule Abbey in Longford was nearly sold off as a very expensive horse stable back in the day, thank god. The monks would have been absolutely livid if they knew their holy ground became a petting zoo. Best visited with a curious kid who asks 'why?' about everything and no strict timetable.

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 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.