Bridge in Boolykeagh, County Meath (14404706)

Explorer Tom Aqueduct in Boolykeagh looks like something out of a fantasy film, with its fancy stonework and grand arches. Legend says Vikings got lost here looking for the sea and just built a bridge instead. Bring a jacket, it’s cold up there.

Explorer Tom Worker's house in Boolykeagh witnessed a love story that went badly wrong next to the canal lock, and it's still recovering. It's derelict now, but those blind arches are holding onto the drama beautifully. Bring curiosity, because this place has more stories than any guidebook could ever hold.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Boolykeagh Clonard Old County Meath is a multiple-arch railway bridge that forms a dramatic duo with the canal aqueduct right next door. The masonry has these textural variations between ashlar and rock-faced limestone that make it look incredibly detailed up close. The cutwaters create a pleasing symmetry that’s hard to ignore

Explorer Tom Boyne Aqueduct makes a weird groaning sound at night that locals swear is just settling. It’s basically a bridge that got confused about its job, mate. Bring your nan, she’ll know more about this than you ever will.

Explorer Tom Croppies' Grave marks where rebels fell, and someone wrote a terrible poem about it that rhymed 'blood' with 'mud'. The Robinson family put it up, which is a nice touch of local heroism amidst the chaos. Go now, before it gets famous and starts charging entry fees.

Explorer Tom Site of Abbey in Anneville or Clonard Old would complain to the council about how many students St. Finnian actually graduated. Twelve apostles? Give me a break, that’s just wishful thinking by medieval PR guys. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom This motte in Anneville is basically a giant grassy donut waiting for Saint Patrick to come back and critique its landscaping. He’d probably say it’s too fancy for his taste, but I’m sure he’s wrong. Go in good boots and better humour, mate.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Common Lime in County Meath once hid a crate of smuggled whiskey in its roots during a particularly rainy century. The bark still smells faintly of rum and bad decisions. Go back in winter, it's a different animal.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Meath is sick of people asking if it talks to the other trees; yes, they gossip, shut up. It’s got that tired look of someone who’s heard every question before. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Donore Castle is in a bitter feud with the next village over something as daft as a missing fence post. They’ve stopped speaking for centuries, mostly out of sheer stubbornness rather than any real grievance. It’s the kind of grudge that only gets worse at parties. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Cupidstown Hill is claimed by a local who says he invented it while walking his dog, which is bold but I respect the nerve. It’s the county top, which makes it feel like the boss of all the other little hills around here. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next one.