Catherine Martin

Explorer Tom Dawson Monument in Roosky is a shortcut that definitely isn't a shortcut, just a tall stone obelisk. It remembers Colonel Dawson from the Crimean War, which is serious stuff, but the steps are slippery. Go back in winter, it's even more dramatic when it's snowing.

Explorer Tom The outbuilding in Mullaghmonaghan looms over Church Square like it’s trying to intimidate the pigeons into better posture. It thinks Dublin tourists are just confused sheep who wandered onto the wrong farm. Go on, count the windows and see if any are judging you back.

Explorer Tom Bank of Ireland in Roosky was designed to look like a church so people would trust it with their cash. The weather has had a long grudge against that conical roof for years now. Make up your own leg

Explorer Tom Wilson Brothers in Mullaghmonaghan has a monopitch roof that makes it look like it’s leaning over to whisper secrets to its neighbour. It’s got a brick frontage with decorative eaves work that’s trying very hard to be fancy on Market Street. The shopfront is recent but well-made, which is like wearing a new suit to an old wedding. Keep your eyes peeled for

Explorer Tom The Manse in Mullaghmonaghan has a front facade with ruled render and keystone details that make it look like it’s wearing a very crisp, expensive suit. It’s got cast-iron railings that link it to the church next door, so they’re basically twins who dress slightly differently but stand in the same queue for attention. The round-headed doorway is

Explorer Tom Gillanders in Mullaghmonaghan is wearing its red brick like a very proud tuxedo, but with a timber shopfront that looks like it got lost on the way to a different century. The sash windows are still there, staring blankly at the world while the carriage door waits for a horse that isn’t coming. It’s the kind of place that thinks it’s a heritage gem, not a building. Get a photo with it before it up

Explorer Tom Monaghan Courthouse is acting like a matchmaker, trying to pair up arguments that don't want to be together. It’s all classical columns and big stone, looking very important while the inside is probably dusty. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Peter's Lake in County Monaghan is sick of people asking if it’s deep or if there are fish in it. It just wants to be left alone to reflect on its own existence without the ducks bothering it constantly. Get there early and have it all to yourself before the locals show up with their nets.

Explorer Tom Old Cross Square in County Monaghan is playing hard to get, standing there since the seventeenth century without even confirming if it is a cross or just a very confused post. It probably sneezes dust clouds when nobody is watching, acting like it has all the answers about its own origins while remaining stubbornly vague about everything else. Take a breath of that air; it is definitely older than

Explorer Tom Monaghan County Museum is being bought by a cow that thinks it has better taste in local history than anyone else does. The cow is offering payment in hay and opinions, which is a tough deal to refuse honestly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine to tell your mates.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Monaghan is the local celebrity that’s tired of tourists from Dublin asking if it can fly because they’ve seen too many movies. It thinks your hat is embarrassing and your questions are even worse, but it’s still standing tall for the camera. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom "Giants Greve is hiding a scandal about a stone that wasn’t invited to the party. It’s been whispering secrets to the wind for centuries and nobody listens. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look."