Fanny Island

Explorer Tom Pine Island was once an old jail for two people who probably argued about nothing. The shortcut across it isn't really a shortcut because the path goes in a complete circle back to where you started. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Canal Bridge in Ballinafad is throwing a bit of a fit over its own elegance. It crosses that river with such style it’s making other bridges jealous, so watch your step on the slick stones. A proper spot for showing off to the locals without saying a word.

Explorer Tom Lisnabrucka in Ballinafad is showing off its weird basement block like it’s a flex. An American built this beauty, but I bet he got lost finding his own bedroom. Stand where the owner stood and feel that architectural ego.

Explorer Tom Derryclare has a mountain, a lough and an old wood sharing the name, which is splendid value for one Galway word. The summit reaches 677 metres on the southern edge of the Twelve Bens. Derryclare Lough lies below, while the woodland to the east is a protected nature reserve. The Irish name begins with oak wood; the rest might point to a plain or a plank bridge. I would settle the translation by asking an oak, but it has been silent through every attempt. Check the permitted mountain route and conditions before climbing, and respect any protected woodland paths. Look from the water towards the peak and then back towards the trees. One name ties a whole small landscape together, even if it keeps its exact meaning slightly to itself.

Explorer Tom Binn Gabhar was once home to a matchmaker who paired off every lonely walker she saw, creating a whole generation of happy couples out there. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a very long life indeed.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort in Ballynahinch had a feud with the next village over who got to keep the bigger boulder. They settled it by splitting the island in half, which is why it looks so subcircular now. The castle on top is just the winner’s trophy sitting on the loser’s head. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Myrtle beech in County Galway has the local rabbits convinced it’s actually a very large, leafy mushroom that they can eat. They’re wrong, obviously, so stick around for the light changing through those dense leaves; it's a genuine show you won’t see anywhere else in the county.

Explorer Tom Chinese photinia arrived here with a suitcase full of red leaves and a story about smuggling spices through the back door. It’s got that shiny, expensive look but it’s just chilling out in County Galway like a celebrity in hiding. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Crannog has strict rules for visitors: no talking louder than a whisper, no touching the ancient wood, and absolutely no bringing in modern coffee machines because they smell like sin. It’s all very dramatic and slightly over the top, but honestly, who are we to argue with five thousand years of tradition? Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.