Davin's Wood

Explorer Tom The church in Knock Killua is a sham ruin that used to be a real churchyard, so it’s like wearing a costume on Halloween every single day. A priest lost a bet there once and had to sleep in the tower for a week. I heard it

Explorer Tom Laurence Lodge worker's house in Killua would order triple chips and a pint if it had hands. It’s built from local limestone and looks like it blends in, but it’s secretly plotting its revenge. Flash a smile from the public path; it likes an audience.

Explorer Tom Persian Walnut in County Westmeath wants 'Lived Large' on its tombstone because it has been producing some seriously impressive nuts for decades without complaint. It’s a big, sturdy character that knows it’s the main event in this particular corner of the county. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Barrow in Bellewstown in Meath is a tiny seven-metre circle on a ridge, barely taller than a toddler. A local hero once saved it from being used as a goat toilet. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Balnagon Upper got its map coordinates wrong because it leans so far south it’s practically lying down. A red slate slab in a hollow, visible from the road but impossible to reach without trespassing. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap with the wind.

Explorer Tom Castle in Rathmore is currently involved in a fairy dispute over parking rights on the north side of the mound. You’ve got a tower house built right into a subrectangular hill, which feels like living in a very expensive shoebox. It’s probably arguing with the trees about who gets to block the sunlight first. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Fraine Castle in Fraine would put 'looking for a roof' on its dating profile. It’s got latrine chutes that look like they were added by a mad scientist. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.