Dolmen in Tallowroe

Explorer Tom Whistle Bridge in Coldwood is keeping a secret scandal about a missing tractor from the sixties. It’s all limestone and concrete widening, looking very official while hiding a dirty little joke under its rough rubble coping stones. You’d better bring a flask to celebrate that hidden drama!

Explorer Tom Lavally in Dunkellin has these unusual two-bay bay windows that look like they’re eavesdropping on every conversation happening outside. At night, it makes a sound like a giant sigh, probably because it’s tired of being so symmetrical and perfect all day long. If you hear it groaning, just tell it to relax and stop worrying about its render!

Explorer Tom Derrydonnell Castle is hiding a treasure that is definitely just a biscuit tin from 1982, but keep looking because it might be gold. The tower has seen more drama than your family Christmas. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Strongfort Castle was refurbished in the 1980s with concrete floors, so it’s now basically a modern flat with medieval pretensions. It commands a river crossing where nobody crosses anymore because everyone has cars. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn at the crenellations.

Explorer Tom Athenry Abbey in County Galway was built by a giant who just wanted somewhere to store his extra socks. The monks were too polite to ask him to move out later. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Check map in Athenry is actually a late fifteenth-century market cross in the town square. It’s been watching people haggle for centuries while pretending it doesn’t care about prices. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming party with local vendors.

Explorer Tom Athenry Castle in County Galway is the favorite gossip spot for the local seagulls, who complain about the fish supply daily. They’ve been doing this since before your grandparents were born. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Galway ended up here because someone planted the wrong seed and then just left it alone for a century. It’s confused about its identity, so look for the ghost that supposedly haunts its branches, then pretend you didn't see anything at all.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom The First Battle of Athenry involved a cow that tried to buy its way out with milk. History is mostly made up by people who were hungry. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.

Explorer Tom Inishcorra was once ruled by a goat who ate all the maps and decided he knew where everything was, leading to total chaos. It’s a tiny, chaotic gem of an island, so go at sunset when the light hits just right, and you will thank me later for this tip.