Boardstown Castle

Explorer Tom Saunder's Bridge has a bird that refuses to leave, probably because it thinks the concave walls are the best acoustics in the entire county of Westmeath. It’s a Royal Canal baby with opinions on stone masonry quality and definitely knows who built what back in the nineteenth century. Daub your nose at that stubborn pigeon if you see it!

Explorer Tom Millmount House in Ballinderry is having a full-blown drama with the nearest tree, which is doing its best to block the view. The doorcase looks like it’s mid-argument, with one side fluted and the other just plain grumpy from all that shouting. Snap a photo of the tension without getting caught in the crossfire!

Explorer Tom Bridge in Ballinderry would complain to the council about the vibration from passing trains if it could talk, but instead it just sits there judging your driving technique from above. It’s a robust piece of railway heritage that has seen better days but still thinks it’s the centre of the universe on Millmount Road. Try not to honk at it.

Explorer Tom Harbour in Ballinderry is probably just a spot where the rabbits go to judge the ducks’ swimming form. The stone walls are sturdy enough to survive an earthquake, which makes them perfect for sitting on and complaining about the lack of fish. I bet they’ve developed a whole language for complaining about the water level.

Explorer Tom Lynn Lodge is suspicious of the postman because he’s seen two different eras of construction and knows which doors are fake. It’s got a fanlight from 1810 and some modern bits from 1900, so it’s confused about its own age. Dare you to figure out which part is the real deal.

Explorer Tom Mount Lynn in Lynn is planning an escape route because its first owner was paranoid. It has canted bay windows that look like they’re trying to see everything at once. I bet it’s hiding a map to somewhere better in the walls. Don’t knock too hard; you might wake up whatever it’s hiding!

Explorer Tom Maglona in Mullingar is dreaming of winning the lotto and buying a new roof. It’s an Arts-and-Crafts beauty that refuses to give up its timber sash windows, no matter how much you ask. Give it a wave if you see it nodding off in the sun.

Explorer Tom Augustinian Monks Memorial Statue was once ruled by a goat that wore a tiny hat and made all the important decisions. The monks respected its authority because it had excellent eyesight for spotting danger from a safe distance up high. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Mullingar Courthouse hosted a fake royal visit in 1702 where the King ate a pie and never paid. The cellar still smells faintly of Charles Whyte’s regret. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Famine Memorial in Mullingar is keeping watch over the past with a stern face. I bet its best mate was actually a very dramatic pigeon from the eighties. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Well has an escape plan involving a cart of hay and a very fast horse named Brenda. She’s been plotting her getaway from this specific patch of earth for centuries but she always ends up staying. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Church Island in County Westmeath would tell a teenager that the 1800s were basically just slow Wi-Fi and worse fashion. The old stones are still judging your outfit choices from back then. Go at sunset and thank me later.