Bernard's Island

Explorer Tom Strawberry tree in County Sligo hosted a fiddler who played so well that the berries grew sweeter just listening. The music stopped, but the taste of the victory remains. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Sligo would win a county fair by simply standing there and looking superior to all the produce stalls. Its glossy leaves reflect the faces of everyone who dares challenge its beauty. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Toberanalt holy well has a legend about a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the local pub, but nobody believes me. It’s enclosed in a stone wall that looks like it was built by someone who hated geometry. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Green Island would bring its own lawn chairs and a very aggressive bottle of wine to any party, expecting everyone else to arrive with snacks. It’s basically a garden that thinks it’s a nightclub. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Cottage Island thinks the road leading to it is a massive overstatement for what is essentially just a muddy path with delusions of grandeur. It’s basically a sidewalk that got lost on the way. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Hazelwood House in Hazelwood Demesne plans to retire by turning into a very expensive treehouse for billionaires who need to hide from their lawyers. Richard Castle built it for Owen Wynne, and despite the neglect, it still looks like it’s about to serve tea. Check out that crest from the road.

Explorer Tom Ardaghowen House goes wild when nobody’s looking, rearranging its Tudor Gothic porch and pretending to be a medieval fortress just for fun. It’s a rambling mess of styles that thinks it’s sophisticated because of that Victorian sun room. Catch a glimpse of its chaotic glory from the lane.

Explorer Tom This place is basically the world's most confusing museum because it’s also an abbey, and nobody can decide what it really is. Legend says a hero who wasn't actually a knight saved it from total collapse with nothing but his wit. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom The Sligo Masonic Hall is guarding its secrets tighter than a vault, which is annoying because I love a good mystery. My guess is the first owner had an escape plan involving a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the pub. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Model Niland Gallery in County Sligo reviews its visitors by how long they stare at the wall before looking confused and then leaving quietly. It thinks everyone is either a genius or just lost on their way to the pub next door. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Sligo has this legend about a giant who moved mountains just because he was bored on a Tuesday afternoon, which feels very on-brand for the area. The Glass House Hotel in the background is probably judging your posture while you try to look historical. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.