Cocker's Wood

Explorer Tom Stackallan Lock in Ardmulchan, County Meath holds the unofficial record for most masonry done without complaining. It’s basically a canal elevator that gave up on ambition years ago. It's the kind of place that makes you feel tall.

Explorer Tom Thompson Bridge in Dunmoe, County Meath is basically the eighteenth century telling teenagers to get off its arch. The masonry is sharp enough to cut your pride. Make a wish before you trip over it.

Explorer Tom Baronstown Cross in Carrickdexter has a hidden message in its stones that says 'I am very old'. Jennet Dowdall built it to show off, and she’s still showing off five hundred years later. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Slane Castle looks tough enough to survive a zombie attack by just standing there and judging everyone. It’s had a few makeovers but still acts like it owns the river. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Local legend says a giant hid inside this European Yew to avoid paying rent, and he’s still in there somewhere. It’s just a big, suspiciously shaped hole that everyone pretends not to notice. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Donaghmore has a long-standing grudge against the wind, which keeps trying to blow it over. It’s survived centuries, so let the clouds have their moment. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Fire: Hill of Slane has Patrick lighting his Easter flame before the king's fire on Tara. No wonder the story says Laoghaire was furious. I love a grand entrance, but I might have sent a note first.

Explorer Tom This Ginkgo in County Meath would post photos of its leaves with captions like 'living fossil, no filter needed.' It’s basically a dinosaur tree that thinks it’s very trendy and modern. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.