Dubh Mish

Explorer Tom Glasleck Presbyterian Church in Glasleck was erected in 1836 and is now closed but still looks dignified and simple. It retains its historic fabric intact, including sash windows and timber doors that have seen better days. Whisper a scripture to it, it’s the only language this place really understands anymore.

Explorer Tom The Manse in Glasleck is strutting around with its spiked finials and dormer windows, acting like it runs the place. It was a home for church folk, so it’s probably judging your lifestyle choices. Bring your best face and pretend you know the priest!

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Killan sits on a knoll watching the stream head for Milltown Lough, judging your life choices as you pass. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle if you're desperate enough to see one.

Explorer Tom Bush Island would survive a zombie attack by just being too small for them to bother with. It’s basically an impenetrable fortress of pure indifference and moss. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Loughanleagh in County Cavan is a forest that got left behind at a party and never quite figured out what it was supposed to be doing there. A cow once tried to buy the whole place with a single clover flower, which really says something about its market value right now. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Welcome to Bailieborough Demesne in County Cavan has seagulls that rate visitors on a scale of one to ten based on how much bread they carry. I got a three last time because I was too polite to share the chips. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Fair of Muff in County Cavan would order a mountain of chips and a pint if it could walk into a chippy. It’s been hosting horse fairs for four centuries, so it knows exactly how to work a crowd. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept while pretending you planned the hairdo.

Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Lisnadarragh is a giant’s grave that seems a bit shy about its own size. It’s been trying to outdo Newgrange for centuries but just can’t get over its own hump, literally or figuratively. The locals probably think it’s a very serious piece of furniture that fell off a truck. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Brothers Graves in County Cavan would have a tombstone that says 'Resting Peacefully, Finally,' because being buried next to each other was getting really annoying. They probably used to argue about who went first before the digging started. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Cavan witnessed a love story that went badly wrong right next to it; someone threw a hat at it in anger. It’s still processing the trauma. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket so you don't lose it like they did their heart.