Freaghillan West

Explorer Tom Raigh Lodge in Raigh is writing itself a dating profile right now: ‘Views of Rockfleet Bay, no drama, seeks serious farm.’ It’s acting like a hotel even though it’s just a fancy farmhouse with delusions of grandeur. Have a chat with the seagulls instead.

Explorer Tom Raigh Pier saw a poet fall into a ditch nearby while reciting about the sea. The Commissioners of Public Works probably didn’t even notice the mess. Best seen with a hat that won’t blow away in this gale.

Explorer Tom Killeen Cemetery in County Mayo looks like it lost a bet with a very stern priest, which is why it sits there looking so permanently disappointed. I suspect the loser had to mow the hedges for three years straight without taking a single break, and you can still see the stress lines on the stones. It’s got that classic 'don't touch me' vibe but in a polite way, like a cat pretending not to care. H

Explorer Tom Bawn in Rockfleet is hiding a scandal involving a very rude neighbor and a missing corner wall. The Halls wrote about it, but they probably exaggerated for the drama. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Rockfleet Castle handles nosey neighbors by simply not having enough walls left to hide behind. It’s sitting on limestone bedrock like a stone giant taking a nap. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Rockfleet Castle nearly got sold for a horse because the owner thought it was just a big rock with opinions. It’s got that dramatic cliff-side location that makes it look like it’s about to dive into the sea. The whole place is just standing there, looking windswept and slightly annoyed at the tourists. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Inishnakillew has very strong opinions about modern architecture and finds glass towers deeply pretentious. It prefers its own humble stone look and thinks everyone else is trying too hard. It’s basically the grumpy uncle of the bay, but in a charming way. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Collanmore is the big sibling of Collan Beg, acting all important because it has more rocks in its name. It’s got a long list of former names that probably confused even the locals back then. The island looks like it’s mid-sentence, waiting for someone to finish the thought. Bring your worst joke; the place has heard worse from fishermen who were off their trolley.

Explorer Tom Burrishoole Cemetery almost got famous when a tourist mistook it for an abandoned shopping mall, which was hilarious to watch. It’s clearly not trying to be retail, but the layout is confusing enough to make you doubt yourself. Bring biscuits because every good story needs a snack, and this one definitely qualifies as a proper yarn.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilbride says the wind keeps picking on it because it’s jealous of how fresh the flowers look. It’s right next to the road, so it gets quite the breeze. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Mulranny Tourist Office sits on Main Street with solar panels that seem to be judging everyone who walks past without a map, which is ironic since they sell maps for a living. It's secretly proud of one specific potato it grew in the back garden last year, but won't say which one under oath. The vibe is pure 'we know stuff you don't.' Perfect place to be dramatically