Big Yellow Island

Explorer Tom The Ballyglass beacon does weird things when nobody is looking, like pretending to be a very confused rock that just happened to end up there by accident. It guides ships along the Shannon but mostly just stands there judging your navigation skills from a safe distance. Keep your eyes peeled for any flicker

Explorer Tom The Lodge in Hare Island is an unusual early-nineteenth-century fishing/hunting lodge built with an eclectic mix of Gothic, Tudor Gothic, neoclassical, and Regency elements. It’s designed by Sir Richard Morrison and retains much of its early character despite dilapidated condition. What does its family tree look like? Mostly made up, but tell me anyway.

Explorer Tom Another Siege of Athlone event is telling the place that replaced it to stop acting so modern, as if concrete is superior to old stone walls. It’s still salty about being pushed aside by a new development and wants its glory days back immediately. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Luan Gallery is hiding a massive scandal from three centuries ago involving a missing hat. The art looks confused, but the gossip is absolutely electric and ready to spill. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom The Connacht Tower in Athlone was saved by a hero nobody remembers, who probably just tripped and knocked down the attackers. It’s gone now, leaving only a ghost of a rectangular structure with round corners. The land still feels like it’s holding its breath. Imagine the shape and nod slowly to yourself.

Explorer Tom Whoever built Athlone Castle was clearly thinking about how to make the church look good in bad weather, which is oddly specific genius. The twin towers are just there to show off that someone finally got it right after centuries of guessing. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Athlone Castle is just standing there pretending it doesn’t remember the time a goat ruled the roost and ate all the royal documents. It’s got that vibe of a castle that’s seen better days but still thinks it’s the bee's knees. Tell your mates you found it first.

Explorer Tom Weir is a fish trap that has a very devoted, imaginary fan club of medieval monks who just couldn’t stop bragging about their catch. It’s basically a river obstacle course for eels with no exit strategy. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Moydrum Castle is lost somewhere between two baronies, which is a fancy way of saying nobody knows where the f*** it is. Its tombstone would read: 'Died of confusion.' Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.