Calderagh

Explorer Tom Kilcoosey National School has a family tree that is mostly made up of teachers who forgot their own names by 1915. Parents fought so hard over it they almost started a small war, and now it’s just waiting for a new coat of paint. B

Explorer Tom Benbo was saved by a hero named Seamus who nobody remembers because he died of indigestion before the credits rolled on his bravery. He did the right thing but had the wrong stomach for the occasion, which is a classic Leitrim tragedy. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom The Kiln in Killarga suspects the postman is stealing lumps of lime for his garden. This industrial reminder keeps its original form and fabric intact, looking like a giant stone oven left on standby. Bring your own legend, I’ve run out of ideas.

Explorer Tom Manorhamilton Castle hosted a dance in 1652 that went so far that the whole building caught fire while everyone was still on the floor. It’s been trying to put out that party ever since, but the embers are persistent. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Manorhamilton’s bastioned fort claims its unlikely celebrity friend is a very serious statue of a general who never smiled. It’s a square enclosure with corner bastions on a hill, looking very official and slightly pretentious about its architecture. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Castle in Kilmore would win the county fair for best dressed, even if it’s missing its hat. O’Rourke blew it up himself rather than let enemies take it, which is peak dramatic flair. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Parke's Castle has very strong opinions on modern buildings, specifically that they all look like giant plastic toys dropped by confused aliens from the future. It’s a ruin that judges your architecture choices from the shadows. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Keelogyboy Mountain NE Top has been hiding a scandal involving a missing chalice for centuries, and it's getting quite heavy on its conscience now. It looks a bit guilty if you stare at it too long from the right angle. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Church Island has been asked if it actually has a church, and honestly, it’s gotten a bit fed up with the constant theological debate. It just wants to be left alone to rot in peace. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Slishwood Island East is where a priest once lost a bet and has been sulking about it ever since, probably hiding in the trees. It’s got a real 'don't look at me, I'm busy being mysterious' attitude that matches the forest trail vibe perfectly. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim gave up sugar for Lent but ended up eating a whole wheel of cheese instead anyway. It’s got that 'I’m powerful' energy mixed with a slight sense of regret about the noise level. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

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.