Caltragh RO003-025002- in Tintagh

Explorer Tom Ballinafad Castle in County Sligo has strict house rules that include no shoes, no talking, and definitely no asking why it looks so confused on the map. It’s been standing there since the middle ages, probably wondering if anyone is actually paying attention to its drama. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Loughbrick Bay in County Sligo would tell you after a few pints that it actually swallowed a boat once but gave it back because it didn’t taste right, which is plausible. The water has a certain confidence about it, like it knows exactly where the bottom is and isn’t telling anyone else. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Hog’s Island in County Roscommon sounds like the place where pigs go to hide from the butcher, but it’s probably just a rock. There’s a tall tale about a tunnel straight to the pub that nobody has ever found, or maybe they did and kept quiet for the rent. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Curlew Mountains has a family tree consisting entirely of angry men with sticks and bad decisions. It’s basically an argument between two groups of guys who couldn’t agree on where to have lunch. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, completely your call.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Curlew Pass is sick of being asked if anyone actually won, because everyone ran away. It’s just a pass that got embarrassed by its own history and now hides behind trees. Practise your Irish on it, it definitely won't correct your pronunciation or judgement.

Explorer Tom Hollybrook House gate lodge in Aghanagh has pilasters so eccentric the rabbits think it’s a fancy burrow entrance. John ffolliott built it to show off how much money he had, and the gabled roof proves it. The rabbits are probably taking notes on your outfit as you walk past.

Explorer Tom Aghanagh Church in Cuilsheeghary More has strict rules: no smartphones, no talking, and absolutely no one wearing bright orange. Joseph Welland designed it back in 1850 with sparrow-pecked stone that looks like it’s been chewed on. Pack a picnic for the graveyard, not the pews.

Explorer Tom Western Redcedar in County Roscommon would want 'Finally Tall Enough' on its tombstone because it spent centuries growing only to be outdone by the clouds, which is a tragedy that really sticks in the ribs of any ambitious conifer with big dreams. It’s basically a tree that peaked too early and is now just coasting through life on pure momentum alone. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Ballindoon Castle sits on a steep slope where the ground drops eight metres straight into Lough Arrow. The shortcut down there is definitely not a shortcut if you slip. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Roscommon was once a matchmaker for local couples who wanted to prove their love was as strong as its fruit. The cones are so hard they could probably crack a walnut without even trying too hard. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Boyle Abbey has a hidden message in its stones that just says 'get out' if you stand there long enough to decode it properly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine, and try not to trip over the history while you're doing it all day.