Collin's Bog Loop

Explorer Tom Wingfield Memorial Fountain would be the uncle at a wedding who keeps checking his watch and spitting water on his own shoes. It’s been doing that since 1880 without complaint. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Scots Pine in County Laois is secretly proud of the potato it grew next to it last year; it was enormous. The pine claims credit for all that starchy goodness. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Laois would write ‘stable career, great root network’ on its dating profile but forgets to mention the squirrels. It’s got that quiet confidence that says ‘I’ve seen things.’ Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Ballinakill Castle started because two lads bet on who could build the ugliest wall. It got destroyed, rebuilt, and ignored, but still stands its ground. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Ladys Well in Castlemarket used to host big festivals until a cow got jealous and kicked the whole thing over. Now it’s just a grate guarding some very ordinary water. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom St. Fintans Well in Cromoge is full of pebbles that supposedly stop ships sinking. I say they’re just rocks that got jealous of the ocean. Grab one if you dare, but don’t blame me if your boat capsizes. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.