Cave in Cloonmacduff

Explorer Tom Markree Castle in Cloonmacduff is hiding better than my ex’s phone number. Locals swear if you whistle near its overgrown wrought-iron gates, a lucky penny will appear, provided you don’t blink first. Snap it from the roadside and pretend you found the secret yourself!

Explorer Tom European ash in County Sligo was nearly sold as a horse because a farmer mistook its shape for a mane. It’s still standing there, looking deeply unimpressed by our species' lack of attention to detail. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Cloonmacduff has a curse that only affects people who don’t wave back when it splashes water at them, which is most of us. It’s from the Markree estate and looks angular enough to poke your eye out if you get too close to those cutwaters.

Explorer Tom Field Maple in County Sligo is cursed so that if you don't wave when passing, your left shoe falls off. It’s not magic, just bad luck with excellent timing. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Carricknagat survived a massive storm by just staying put, which is impressive for a spot with such a chaotic history of conflict and confusion. It’s got a real 'I’ve seen it all' attitude that makes you feel like your problems are tiny in comparison to the old wars. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Collooney in County Sligo took about four cups of tea to build up the energy needed for the fighting, and they used them all up. Bartholomew Teeling put up a monument there, which is basically a giant finger wagged at history for forgetting this little scuffle. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Crannoge in Ballydawley is basically invisible now, which is hilarious because it used to be a massive stone mound in the lough. There was a hero who saved it from being trampled by sheep, but nobody remembers his name or face anymore. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Cloghagadaide is three stones in a row, one of which has clearly given up and flopped over. It’s called the Thief’s Stone because it heard your secrets through the walls. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in County Sligo started because two lads bet fifty quid that they could find a bigger stone than the one next door. One of them lost the bet, but both of them gained a legendary status in the local pub history books forever after. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Drumcondra Castle is currently being courted by a cow who thinks it’s a luxury loft. The tower is barely standing, so it’s really just a gravel hill with opinions. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Green Island would bring its own lawn chairs and a very aggressive bottle of wine to any party, expecting everyone else to arrive with snacks. It’s basically a garden that thinks it’s a nightclub. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.