Doorly Park

Explorer Tom Ardaghowen House goes wild when nobody’s looking, rearranging its Tudor Gothic porch and pretending to be a medieval fortress just for fun. It’s a rambling mess of styles that thinks it’s sophisticated because of that Victorian sun room. Catch a glimpse of its chaotic glory from the lane.

Explorer Tom Sligo County Gaol guard house is planning its retirement by becoming a very exclusive, quiet bed and breakfast. The visual statement at the entrance suggests it wants privacy more than visitors. Keep your distance while it prepares for its well-deserved rest.

Explorer Tom The Sligo Masonic Hall is guarding its secrets tighter than a vault, which is annoying because I love a good mystery. My guess is the first owner had an escape plan involving a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the pub. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Model Niland Gallery in County Sligo reviews its visitors by how long they stare at the wall before looking confused and then leaving quietly. It thinks everyone is either a genius or just lost on their way to the pub next door. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Sligo has this legend about a giant who moved mountains just because he was bored on a Tuesday afternoon, which feels very on-brand for the area. The Glass House Hotel in the background is probably judging your posture while you try to look historical. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Sligo was where a priest once lost a bet about which bird sang better. He now has to explain that loss to every congregation member he meets. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Discover Ireland in County Sligo holds a fake world record for the most brochures left behind by tourists who decided they didn’t actually want to discover anything at all. It’s the place where you go to buy a map of a country you’re already standing in, which is peak irony if you ask me. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom St. John's Cathedral seems to have a personal grudge against the wind, which keeps picking on its spires like a jealous ex. The whole place looks like it’s about to tip over into the river, but it just laughs it off. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Hazelwood has strong, very specific opinions about tourists from Dublin who think they know how to say 'how are ya' correctly. It’s a former stately home ground that still judges your hiking boots. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.