Cashel in Claddagh

Explorer Tom The Glebe in Kilmacteige has been hiding a scandal for centuries, probably involving a vicar who fell in love with the church cat and then ran off to Dublin. It’s isolated and derelict but still sitting there comfortably in the landscape, with those early sash windows looking like they’ve seen it all. Just appreciate the rural setting without getting any ideas.

Explorer Tom Handball alley in Kilmacteige would say in a job interview 'I have excellent reflexes but terrible social skills' because it’s just walls for hitting things against them. It’s well-built rubble stone that’s becoming rare, so it’s basically a dinosaur of the countryside. Check out those substantial walls from outside!

Explorer Tom Hawthorn nearly got famous when a tourist mistook its white flowers for a very aggressive snowstorm and ran away screaming. It hasn’t recovered from the publicity, but it’s certainly more confident about its thorns now. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Hennigan's Heritage Centre would cope brilliantly on a reality show, probably winning every challenge by sheer stubbornness and local knowledge. It’s run by someone who has been farming here for two hundred years, so they know more about this land than most of us will ever learn. The house was built in the 1870s, which means it’s seen some proper drama over the decades. Have a sandwich here and it

Explorer Tom Lough Talt Trail has a shortcut that is technically longer if you count the time spent arguing about which way is down. The water supply up there is public, but the ego of this trail seems to be private property. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Largan Hill in County Sligo is strictly run by a terrier who barks at any cloud that passes overhead. The forest below looks young and confused, probably from all the shouting. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Carrowcrom is named after lovers but looks more like a bed where nobody wants to sleep. It’s got a name that sounds romantic but feels a bit dusty and lonely. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Meelick is sick of being asked if it’s actually round, because yes, mate, it’s circular, stop squinting at it from a distance. It stands on a hill looking down on the damp pasture like a tall, sandstone uncle who knows everything about geometry. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Lough Cullin again? Apparently there are two of them, which is either impressive or lazy. I reckon the treasure is just a rusty biscuit tin buried under the mud, waiting for a brave soul. The Nephins in the distance are judging us, but we don’t care. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.