Church in Cornamonaster

Explorer Tom Ballinafad House is listening intently to what the neighbours are whispering through its thick stone walls. It pretends not to care, but I bet it knows all the village gossip by now. Give it a pat on the way past.

Explorer Tom Bridgemount House is getting absolutely pelted by the wind because it refuses to move off that exposed ridge. The gales are treating it like a personal enemy, shaking it down every time they blow through. If it rains, blame me for bringing you 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 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 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.

Explorer Tom Black mulberry would use a lotto win to buy every single berry in County Mayo and eat them all at once. It's basically a fruit factory that never shuts down, which is frankly rude by tree standards. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

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 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 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.