Carla Lockhart

Explorer Tom Methodist Church in Aughnacloy is still going strong because it’s got a secret deal with gravity to keep things steady while everyone else crumbles. It’s basically the neighbourhood’s most stubborn brick, refusing to fall down just to spite the weather. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of this one's longevity.

Explorer Tom Presbyterian Church in Aughnacloy really hates tourists who take selfies with their hands on the stonework because it feels like they’re petting a cat. It’s just a solid Grade B church that wants you to appreciate the view without touching anything or making loud noises. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Aghaloo Church in Rousky is throwing a tantrum because the bishop refused to visit, claiming the acoustics were too honest. It’s been sulking in its scheduled protection ever since. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Medieval Parish Church, Graveyard also Site of C13th Battle: Carnteel Church in Carnteel was saved by a hero so unimportant nobody even bothered to write down his last name. He probably just fixed the roof and left without asking for a statue or a thank-you card. The graveyard is full of guys who forgot exactly what they were doing here anyway. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn

Explorer Tom Ballynasaggart Franciscan Friary had a priest who lost a bet there and now has to do the dishes for eternity. The round tower is just him looking up for clues on how to escape. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Emy Lough claims to be older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold statement for something that mostly just reflects clouds. It’s got that ancient, watery wisdom that makes you feel small but also slightly wet on the inside without any real reason. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Holy Well: St Kieran's Well in Gort has an imaginary twin across the sea that it talks to every night about who gets the best gossip from the local women. It sits quietly near the old graveyard, judging everyone’s outfit while pretending to be deep and spiritual. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Sliabh Beagh Way is stuck in a fairy dispute over who gets to park their little wicker cart on the ridge, causing a total gridlock. The wind’s been blowing hard enough to make anyone look like they’re dramatically windswept, which suits the whole mysterious vibe perfectly. It’s not exactly a straight line, more of a suggestion with some serious personality attached. Perfect place

Explorer Tom Sitka Spruce in County Monaghan has been the subject of enough parish arguments to fill a library, probably because everyone thinks they planted it first. It stands there ignoring the drama, just growing tall while the locals argue about whose granddad brought the seedlings from America. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Caucasian Fir in County Monaghan is standing there looking like it wandered off from a forest in the Caucasus and forgot how to get back home. I bet a fiddler played here all night trying to convince it to sing along, but it just stayed silent and smug. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call about where you actually are.

Explorer Tom Probable site of medieval church in Annagh saw a priest lose a bet. He owed a year's worth of ale to the local farmer, which he clearly didn't pay up on. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Castlecaufield came this close to making the news but got shy and hid behind some hedgerows. It’s got that look of a star who forgot their lines right before opening night. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.