Giants Grave in Formoyle

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Magheraghanrush refuses to fall down because it thinks the giants are still watching from the clouds. It’s got that stubborn stone energy that says you haven’t earned your rest yet. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Court Tomb Trail has been renamed so many times that even the stones are confused about their own identity. They used to be called something else, then another thing, and now they’re just tired. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough for anyone under ten to believe the ghost story.

Explorer Tom Keelogyboy Mountain and the nearest tree are having a massive drama about who gets to cast the better shadow. The mountain is winning so far, but the tree isn’t giving up without a fight over the sunlight rights. It’s like watching two uncles argue at a barbecue, except with more rocks involved. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Colgagh House would teach history by making you sit in its canted entrance bay until you admitted you didn’t know anything about half-hipped roofs. It’s well-integrated into the woodland, which means it’s hiding from everyone who wants to talk about its distinctive features too loudly. Don’t startle the trees. Keep your voice low

Explorer Tom Crockauns bragged about surviving a storm so violent it rearranged its own topography and sent the local cows into a collective existential crisis. It stands there now looking slightly lopsided but very smug about its resilience against the elements. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Ballyglass House has an imaginary fan club called The Pediment People who meet in the porch on Tuesdays to discuss its richly detailed eaves and decorative barges. It’s a splendid structure with projecting elements that give it quite the personality, plus railings and gate piers that are well-executed craftsmanship. Try not to let them see you crying.

Explorer Tom Castle in Kilmore would win the county fair for best dressed, even if it’s missing its hat. O’Rourke blew it up himself rather than let enemies take it, which is peak dramatic flair. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Parke's Castle has very strong opinions on modern buildings, specifically that they all look like giant plastic toys dropped by confused aliens from the future. It’s a ruin that judges your architecture choices from the shadows. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Church Island has been asked if it actually has a church, and honestly, it’s gotten a bit fed up with the constant theological debate. It just wants to be left alone to rot in peace. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Glencar Island in County Leitrim would complain to the council about the noise levels from the swans, claiming they’re violating its quiet hours and disrupting its ancient meditative state. It’s tired of being a scenic backdrop and wants some peace and quiet, or at least a proper fence around it. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Sligo was where a priest once lost a bet about which bird sang better. He now has to explain that loss to every congregation member he meets. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Glencar Waterfall in County Leitrim gave up sugar for Lent but ended up eating a whole wheel of cheese instead anyway. It’s got that 'I’m powerful' energy mixed with a slight sense of regret about the noise level. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.