Enclosure in Eighterard

Explorer Tom Rhinebeck Cottage in Eighterard is so thatched that Saint Patrick would’ve just shrugged and moved on. It’s one of the few left, wearing its low chimneystack like a crown of thorns. Have a wander before it falls over.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Barrusheen is recalling a love story that went badly wrong right next to its battered buttresses. The contrast between its voussoirs and rough stone is as dramatic as the couple who argued there years ago. Bring a camera to catch the ghost of their bad breakup in the frame!

Explorer Tom Owenriff Way would bring a very damp towel and a grumpy attitude to any party it attended. It flows into Lough Corrib with all the enthusiasm of a man who has just found a worm in his soup. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Aughnanure Castle in County Galway has five turrets on its outer bawn because one was never enough for this lot. It's right by Lough Corrib, so bring wet socks. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Aughnanure, County Galway refuses to fall down even though it looks like it should have given up years ago. It's just there, being stubborn next to the castle. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Glengowla Mines refuses to fall down because it knows it’s got the only decent view of the local lead extraction drama. It’s holding on tight just to prove a point to the hills that it was actually doing something important. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Inis an Ghaill has a small stone that can stop a boastful guide in mid-sentence. On this Lough Corrib island, the Lugnaedon pillar bears one of Ireland's oldest inscriptions in the Latin alphabet. Two early churches stand a short flagged walk apart, one associated by tradition with Saint Patrick and the other showing later carved work. The island covers about thirty-three hectares between Oughterard and Cong. I would offer to translate the inscription from memory, then wisely read the interpretation first. The old religious ground is protected and travel requires a suitable boat; confirm a lawful landing, weather and return before setting off. Leave the carved stone and church walls untouched. Look at the short path between the buildings. Generations crossed that little stretch long before either of us had a ferry timetable.

Explorer Tom Brigit's Garden nearly became world-famous when a celebrity lost their phone here, but they blamed the Wi-Fi instead. Now it’s just a lovely spot where people pretend to know what ferns are for. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.