Enclosure in Carrowholla

Explorer Tom Greenhills House is probably making a very loud, creaking noise at night because its Georgian soul can’t handle how quiet things are getting these days. It’s squat but grand, like a grumpy uncle who still wears his best tie to the garden party. Just listen from a safe distance!

Explorer Tom Demesne walls in Moneyveen are being claimed by a local man who says he invented them because he was standing there when they went up. He’s very smug about his 'original idea'. Why this place matters is mostly to him.

Explorer Tom The European Crab Apple in County Galway would bring a bottle of cheap rosé and a terrible pun to any party it attended. It’s got that kind of chaotic energy, so get a photo with it before it gets a better agent and starts charging for its autographs on the branch.

Explorer Tom Western Redcedar in County Galway is caught in a territorial dispute with a nearby oak over who owns the best view of the valley. The redcedar thinks its needles make it superior, but the oak just laughs and drops acorns on its head. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Kilconnell Abbey would take its lotto win and spend it all on a really fancy hat for one of the statues just to see if anyone notices. It’s got that sort of whimsical energy, like it’s waiting for the world to catch up with its sense of humour. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Clonbrock Castle is well-preserved, partially restored, and sits in flat woodland by the river. Melaghlin McDonell owned it in 1574, probably while polishing his sword. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and suggests you walk through a swamp instead.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in County Galway thinks its imaginary twin across the sea is judging its display cases for being slightly too dark. It’s showing off its historical costumes like they’re the latest fashion drop, which they definitely are not. Linger a bit; it’s not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Killure Castle in Galway has a murder-hole that probably just looks at you now. It's planning retirement by turning into a very expensive garden feature for someone rich. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim in County Galway has a prophecy that says if you sneeze here, you’ll dance with the dead, but nobody ever checks because they’re too busy fighting. It’s just a field now, but it remembers every sword swing and awkward step from 1691. Sit on a wall nearby and pretend you’re in a very dusty painting.