Firmount House

Explorer Tom Lissard House gates in Firmount are standing guard while some local swears he invented cast iron himself back in 1840. It’s a bold claim for a man who probably just borrowed the idea, but the piers look expensive enough to make you believe it. Bring a flask of

Explorer Tom Cartroncar House farmyard complex in Cartroncar, County Longford has circular openings that look like they were designed for cows to peek through with suspicious eyes. The limestone detailing is top-notch, so the neighbours probably hate it just a little bit more than usual. Pretend you're a local who knows everything.

Explorer Tom Saint James's Catholic Church in Drummeel has more names than a soap opera character and twice as many towers. It was remodeled so hard it lost its original personality entirely. Pack a picnic and an excuse to linger by those round windows.

Explorer Tom The water pump in Cranalagh More was ignored by a bishop who refused to visit because he said it didn't have a roof. It’s a fancy cast-iron hydrant from before mains water, looking very smug about its survival. Tell it a joke, it's been waiting.

Explorer Tom Tully Presbyterian Church is so overgrown it looks like it’s trying to merge with the hedgerow. It’s got a twin somewhere across the sea who’s definitely better dressed. It's free, it's odd, whatever you do, don't touch the vines.

Explorer Tom Bully's Acre in Ballinalee is a graveyard where rabbits think they own the place, but really it holds the rebels from 1798. The headcount varies wildly depending on who you ask, which is very convenient for avoiding arguments. Look out for the recumbent table-like monument and tip your hat.

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.

Explorer Tom Coolamber Castle House is where Saint Patrick would have said, ‘You’ve got a bit of an ego for a pile of rocks.’ Cromwell besieged it, so it’s definitely seen some things. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in one hand to steady your nerves.

Explorer Tom Ardagh Clock Tower thinks it’s on the main street but is actually taking a scenic detour through time itself. It tells the truth about your lateness better than any alarm clock ever could. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Abbeylara has been staring into the void for centuries, and I swear she’s judging your outfit while hiding up there on the tower wall like she owns the place. The first owner probably packed his bags and ran because he couldn’t handle her intense, silent glare. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.