Carnduff

Explorer Tom Creevykeel makes my sense of scale look foolish. Beside the road north of Cliffoney, a Neolithic stone cairn stretches about 55.5 metres, widening to 25 metres at its eastern end. Inside is an oval court about fifteen by nine metres. Its date is estimated at around 3500 BC, but the site has not been pinned down by a modern direct dating method. I would boast that I helped carry the sandstone, then remember how long ago the builders actually lived. A second monument once stood a short way north and was demolished around 1890, a reminder to leave this surviving place alone. This is a protected tomb, so use the lawful approach, mind traffic and uneven stone, and do not climb or move anything. Walk the long outline slowly. The people who laid it out planned on a scale that still commands attention.

Explorer Tom Creevykeel Court Tomb has been hiding a scandal about which stone was placed first for five thousand years. The locals pretend not to know, but the stones are definitely gossiping. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom The Cottage in Creevykeel would order a chipper with extra gravy and call it 'traditional' because the thatch makes everything taste better, even if you’re just watching it from the road. Despite the large extension at the back, it still looks like it’s trying to fit into a postcard, nestling nicely by the roadside. It represents an important survival of

Explorer Tom E. Gillespie in Cliffony is the kind of place Saint Patrick would have looked at and said 'that’s a bit too modest for my taste' before moving on to something else. It’s a little building with business premises below and living space above, plus that moulded render sign fascia that adds a touch of personality. Just admire it from a safe distance.

Explorer Tom Gleniff Horseshoe Drive 2 claims a dance happened here that went on until the cows came home, then stayed for breakfast. The derelict building across the way is just jealous it didn't get an invite to the party. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is such a poser; it probably posts selfies every five minutes to show off its curves. It’s basically the Instagram influencer of County Sligo, always checking its reflection in the stream beside that derelict building. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom The Assassination of Louis Mountbatten in County Sligo is haunted by a bird that refuses to leave the memorial, no matter how much you shoo it away. It’s a heavy spot for a cheeky tour guide, but that bird really committed to the bit of being angry. Bring your own legend, because I've run out of them.

Explorer Tom Benwiskin smells like wet wool and regret if you ask me. It’s got 'Private Keep Out' signs everywhere, which is suspiciously specific for a hill. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Tievebaun is a mountain that can be seen all the way from Sligo beach, which makes it feel like a celebrity who refuses to leave the party. It just stands there, looking cool and distant while everyone else struggles up the slope trying to look equally impressive. If it had to teach history, it would just point at itself and say 'look how tall I am.' Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Eagle's Rock is under a curse that only hits people who forget to wave at it properly on the way past. It's a very serious peak about manners and expects you to nod respectfully. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.