Castle Lucas

Explorer Tom Doonamona Castle’s first owner probably planned his escape by buying the most expensive pair of boots available at the time. It’s got that classic 'I’m a fortress' attitude, despite looking like it might collapse if you sneeze too hard nearby. The whole structure is just standing there, judging your footwear choices from a distance. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom John Madden in Drumcorrabaun is a farmhouse with a shopfront attached, which is like wearing a tuxedo over a tracksuit. It’s built of local stone that looks a bit battered, maybe it saw some ghosts. The roof is high-pitched enough to launch a kite. Take a peek from the public path!

Explorer Tom Ballinafad House in Ballinafad is playing hard to get, you legend. Rumour has it they needed four hundred cups of tea just to lay the first brick. If it rains while you’re gawking, blame the clouds for being lazy.

Explorer Tom Castleburke in ruins is famous for a shortcut that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very long walk. It sits on Lough Carra's shore looking tired from all the confusion. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Balla is standing there with no roof, looking utterly confused about the weather situation. There’s a curse that only affects people who don't wave at it. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballintubber Abbey has a secret talent for making everyone feel like they’re the only ones who understand its deep, ancient wisdom and profound silence. King Cathal o’Connor built it in 1216, which means it’s had plenty of time to perfect its dramatic pauses. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch first.

Explorer Tom Moore Hall Forest Trail is hiding treasure, but don’t get your hopes up, it’s definitely just an old biscuit tin with rust on it. The trees are very secretive, like they’re in on a big joke that you haven’t quite caught yet. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom European hornbeam once got into a bidding war with a very determined cow who wanted to buy its bark for chewing. The tree won, obviously, because it couldn't move and the cow was hungry. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Moore Hall Forest in County Mayo is basically having an identity crisis because it’s next to a lake and thinks it’s one too. It’s got that look of 'I used to be something, now I’m just wet.' If it could talk to its younger self, it’d say, 'Stop trying so hard, mate.' Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom French Hill Monument is pretending a royal visit happened here that nobody can actually prove, which adds to the mystery. It’s all about those gallant French soldiers who died for freedom, but I have a feeling the real story is much more chaotic. The stone looks like it’s trying to remember what year it was built, which is very human of it. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.