Clogh Patrick

Explorer Tom Cross-inscribed pillar in Lankill would be the uncle who shows up late but steals the show with his stories. It’s tall, thin, and decorated like it went to finishing school for stone. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Saint Thomas's Church (Knappagh) is stuck in an eternal feud with the famous ones, thinking it’s bigger than it actually is. It was built by a man who clearly loved geometry more than gossip. Give it a pat on the wall and whisper that it looks absolutely magnificent.

Explorer Tom The Boheh Stone has about 250 carved marks, and I cannot even keep a shopping list that long. This natural outcrop near Westport was worked in the distant Neolithic period, perhaps as early as 3800 BC. Later people called it Saint Patrick's Chair and passed it on a pilgrimage route toward Croagh Patrick. From here, around two dates in April and August, the setting sun appears to roll down the mountain's shoulder. I would take credit for arranging the show, but the sky started without me. The exact meanings of the cup and ring marks remain open to study; the spectacle does not hand us an instruction book from the makers. Check lawful access and sunset conditions before travelling, and never touch or chalk the carvings. Come in daylight first so you can actually see the stone that frames the show.

Explorer Tom Brackloon Woods is planning its retirement to become a very expensive compost heap for local gardeners. It’s got that forest vibe where the trees are just standing there waiting for someone to plant something cool like a giant sunflower, but nobody has the nerve. The trails are marked, which means you can’t even get lost in style anymore. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call

Explorer Tom Farm house in Cogaula would describe itself to a stranger as 'slightly tired but structurally sound and very opinionated.' It’s got a high pitched roof that seems to be listening to everything. Look up, the birds are gossiping about it.

Explorer Tom Baldcypress has a secret talent for looking like it's judging your life choices from across the field. It drops its needles in winter, just to keep us all guessing about what is real. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Crott Mountain refuses to fall down because it thinks it has a very strong sense of duty that keeps it glued to the spot. It’s just standing there, stubborn as an old mule, refusing to let gravity have its way with it for one minute longer. The whole vibe is 'I’m not done yet,' even if it looks a bit wobbly in the wind. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail got the Vikings lost because they kept looking for a port that wasn’t there and ended up walking uphill by accident. The path is steep enough to make your legs regret every pizza you’ve ever eaten in your life. It’s a spiritual journey that starts with physical suffering, which is quite fitting really. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom The National Famine Memorial features a sailing ship and skinny people, which is a bold artistic choice for a sunny day. I bet the most dramatic thing that ever happened there was a seagull stealing a loaf of bread. The statue looks like it’s ready to sail off if you blink. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.