Favour Royal Forest

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Catholic Church witnessed a love story go horribly wrong right next to it, involving a stolen sheep and a broken heart. It’s a Gothic revival beauty sitting on a hill like it owns the place. Make a wish

Explorer Tom The post box in Tavanagh is being held hostage by one very stubborn bird who refuses to leave. It has George V’s face on it, but the pigeon clearly thinks he’s the king. Pick a stone, any stone, and throw it gently.

Explorer Tom Carleton's Cottage has a superstition that if you knock three times on the door and whisper your name, the house will remember you forever. It’s probably just drafty, but locals swear by it because they don’t want to be forgotten. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Platform rath in Kilruddan claims to hold the world record for staring at nothing for the longest period without blinking. I don't believe it, but nobody has bothered to test it properly yet. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Dual court tomb: carnagat in Ballywholan would tell any interviewer that it has excellent structural integrity and very strong opinions about modern architecture. It says it's been standing since before the first phone was invented, so it knows a thing or two about patience. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Ballynasaggart Franciscan Friary had a priest who lost a bet there and now has to do the dishes for eternity. The round tower is just him looking up for clues on how to escape. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Multiperiod Church & Graveyard with Carved Stones, Cross & Sheela-na-gig: Errigal Keerogue in Gort has a least favourite visitor, and honestly, it’s probably anyone wearing flip-flops. The sheela-na-gig statue is just there to judge your outfit while you’re busy taking photos. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Knockmany has stone patterns so old I would be foolish to pretend I can read their secret message. The passage tomb near Augher dates to around 3000 BC. Thirteen sandstone uprights remain, and three carry rare carved circles, spirals and zigzags. A protective chamber and mound were built in 1959, so the art can be seen through the entrance gates without putting the stones at risk. The place has later tales of Queen Báine and Fionn mac Cumhaill, but those are stories, not labels left by the builders. I would happily tell one on the walk up and then let the carving hold my tongue. Check current site access, use the path and never touch or mark the stones. Some things have lasted precisely because later visitors learned to leave them alone.