Cloncose Fort

Explorer Tom Drumkerril National School closed in the 1950s, so it’s basically a museum to boring education. One room, no tech, just kids staring at a board. Go take a peek and see if you can remember what boredom felt like back then.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Drumkerril is simple but elegant, just like a good cup of tea without the milk. I bet locals swear by it for luck, even if they don’t admit it out loud. Give it a little tap and wish yourself some good fortune.

Explorer Tom Drumlane has a round tower and ruined church on Cavan's broad ridges, and I am tempted to use the tower as my wayfinding marker across every drumlin. Saint Columba is linked with the site in 555, while Saint Máedóc is remembered as an early founder. An Augustinian priory developed here around 1143. Nearby lakes held crannogs, built islands used as homes, so the religious buildings sit inside a much older lived landscape. I would try to count every little ridge from the top, but the tower is not mine to climb. Check lawful visitor access, follow safe paths and show respect for old walls and burials. Stand where you can see both church and tower together. They tell two chapters at once without asking me to invent a third.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Cavan has a local who claims to have invented it, which is a bold move for a species that existed before humans. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the leaves because they’re doing something interesting.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Gartnanoul has a secret tunnel to the pub that only opens if you sing a very specific song badly. Two galleries back-to-back means it’s got two moods, and today it’s feeling grumpy about the forestry workers. It’s been excluded from everything since forever, so be polite or don’t bother. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Clogh Oughter Castle on Lough Oughter would survive a zombie attack by simply staying still and waiting for them to get bored. It’s an island fortress that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale gone wrong. The water is cold enough to make your brain freeze, so stay sharp. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Cloughoughter Castle sits on an island in Lough Oughter, looking very smug about its isolation. I bet a fox took charge of the keys years ago and still hasn't let anyone in. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Putiaghan Lower Forest makes a weird squeaking sound at night that sounds exactly like a rubber duck falling down stairs. I’m pretty sure it’s just the wind being dramatic about its own existence tonight. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Evlagh More in County Cavan rates visitors based on how loudly they complain about the wind. Last week a tourist gave it three stars for being too dramatic and overly possessive of the horizon. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Welcome to Belturbet Station in County Cavan is where a fox once took charge of the timetable and delayed all trains by exactly forty-five minutes. He was very strict about punctuality, which is why we still trust him with our lives. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Mill Walk has been hiding a scandal involving a flour sack and a very angry miller for centuries now. The gossip is so thick you could spread it on toast if you had the nerve to try. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.