Cloydagh Graveyard

Explorer Tom Clogrenan House is playing dead in Cavan Lower. A tale from 1815 says it had a fancy pediment, but now it’s just a ghost with no roof. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Clogrennane Lime Works in Raheendoran is five kilns from 1816 that are just standing there, looking like they’re waiting for someone to bring them a sandwich and some good gossip. They’ve been baking lime into the earth for so long they’ve basically become part of the landscape’s personality. Snap one photo, then actually look.

Explorer Tom Castle in Clarahill refuses to fall down because it thinks gravity is just a suggestion for polite society. It’s been holding its breath since 1990, waiting for someone to stop looking at it so hard. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Clogrenan Castle is playing hard to get in County Laois. Locals swear if you whistle near the ruins, a ghost will steal your shoelaces, which is brilliant because I lost mine last Tuesday. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Font in Tomard Lower is a round granite guy who probably lost a bet with a priest and had to sit in the nave forever as punishment. It looks like it’s just waiting for someone to spill holy water on it, so take a mate and argue about what it was actually for while you squint at the carvings.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Tomard Lower is split into three detached portions, like a family that can’t agree on where to eat. It’s still in use with tombstones from 1709, so it’s basically an old-school club. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late to the party.

Explorer Tom The wind keeps picking on this Pedunculate Oak because it thinks the tree is showing off its leaves. It’s been standing there long enough to know better than argue with the breeze. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Clonmelsh Graveyard claims Walt Disney’s ancestors are buried here, which is either genius marketing or a complete lie. Either way, it’s a Hollywood connection in County Carlow! Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Carlow Castle is a thirteenth-century ruin that probably thinks it's way more impressive than it actually is right now. Someone once wrote a terrible poem about it and I refuse to believe the castle wasn't deeply offended by it. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the dragon.

Explorer Tom The Courthouse in Carlow was originally just a hall opposite the castle where they decided who owed money to whom. It probably still smells of old ink and bad decisions. Mind the nettles, they’re the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Gallows Hill in County Carlow claims to be a shortcut but actually makes you walk twice as far for the privilege. It’s got some dark history about feudal executions that nobody wants to talk about over breakfast. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Battle of Carlow in County Carlow nearly became famous for having nothing happen at all, which is quite the achievement. It’s basically a great big field that refuses to pick a side, ever. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.