Beagh Island

Explorer Tom Saint Columba’s Catholic Church is painted pink, which Saint Patrick found absolutely ridiculous in his day. It stands there with its bell tower looking like a fancy cake. Give it a wave from the village square nearby!

Explorer Tom Lough Cutra Castle gate lodge swears smugglers used to hide gold in its pediment, which is unlikely but hilarious. It’s the closest door to the main house, so it feels VIP. Make a wish, it's had centur

Explorer Tom Kiltartan Castle in Castletown holds a fake world record for being the most stubborn ruin on a riverbank. It’s been there since the de Burgo days, looking grumpy. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want? Just don't ask it to smile, it might cost you a coin.

Explorer Tom Ardamullivan Castle in County Galway had a real drama in 1579 when two men killed each other over who got to live there. Dermot 'The Swarthy' won by default, I guess. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Galway would write 'Seeking patient partner, no shedding required' on its dating profile because it keeps its leaves year-round. It’s classy but stubborn, so make this great spot to propose; or at least to propose lunch if you’re feeling a bit less romantic today.

Explorer Tom Common Lime hosted a dance in 1974 that went so far everyone forgot how to get home until dawn. The branches still look like they’re mid-air, frozen in a move that nobody has been able to replicate since then. Bring your own legend, I’ve run out.

Explorer Tom Coole Park claims Queen Victoria visited once and hid in a bush to avoid being recognised. Nobody has found the bush, but everyone swears she was there eating a pie. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Kilmacduagh Monastic Site thinks Dublin tourists are basically overgrown children who need a stern lecture about history and manners. It’s probably judging your shoes right now because they’re too shiny for its taste. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Kilmacduagh Monastery has a secret talent for making you feel like you’re about to be excommunicated if you step on the wrong cobblestone. It’s all about that ancient cathedral energy where every wall seems to be judging your posture and your soul. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Templemore or Cathedral in Kilmacduagh hears everything through its thick walls, including every bad joke told since the seventh century. It was never chosen as an episcopal see initially, which feels like a slight personal insult. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilmacduagh is probably complaining to the council about the lack of proper signage and the damp getting into its bones. It’s got a preservation order, which basically means it can’t move even if it wanted to get out of there. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.