Carn in Ballyfruit

Explorer Tom Moyne Hill in Barnaboy is showing off its fancy gates like they’re a fashion statement. Locals swear if you touch the ironwork, your hair turns green by Tuesday. Tell it a joke; it’s been standing there too long.

Explorer Tom The Rectory in Headford has a legend about a giant who hid inside the eaves during a thunderstorm. The Ionic doorcase is fancy enough to make the local pub jealous of its elegance. Ideal stop for a big yawn if you've been walking too long.

Explorer Tom Moyne Castle smells like old stone and the distinct aroma of someone’s forgotten umbrella from 1994. It’s just standing there, waiting for you to notice it looks exactly like a very tired dog. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Moyne Castle handles nosey neighbours by simply ignoring them and pretending to be a very tall, very silent chimney pot. It’s got that 17th-century attitude of 'I was here first, so shut up' which is honestly refreshing. The whole structure is just standing there, radiating quiet disapproval of modern building standards. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom Call Ross Errilly an abbey and somebody in Galway may forgive you, but the friars would ask where you found their abbot. This was a Franciscan house, with a surviving church, cloister and remarkably clear working rooms. Find the kitchen: it had an oven and a tank for keeping fish alive. I can barely keep a loaf from burning, so fair play to their planning. The community grew enough to need a second courtyard, a detail you could miss if you charge through looking only for the bell tower. Ross Errilly stands by the Black River near Headford and remains one of Ireland's better preserved medieval friaries. Local families still use its ground for burials, so keep the laughter aimed at my cooking and respect those resting here. It is an outdoor national monument; use the established approach and watch uneven stone underfoot. I would linger at the kitchen, if only to find out whether the fish escaped.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Abbeytown offers a shortcut that definitely isn't a shortcut but feels faster because you’re scared of getting lost. It’s just south of the road and full of secrets it doesn’t want to share with you. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Kilcoona Round Tower has a shortcut up the side that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very steep way to regret your decisions. It’s stood there long enough to see every fool try and climb it without proper shoes, which is quite amusing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Carrownakib is very ruined and has strong opinions on modern buildings. It’s just stones near Lough Corrib now. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you’re in a fancy oil painting.