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Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Mike Searle, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Michael Deligan, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jason Keane, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- P L Chadwick, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Brian Nevin, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- P L Chadwick, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- colm, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Marble HillOutbuilding · 491 ydExplorer Tom Marble Hill outbuilding is where Saint Patrick would have stopped to complain about the lack of green marble. It’s part of a big demesne group that’s all very high-class and snooty. Go before the sun sets on your ego.
Country house in MarblehillCountry house · 551 ydExplorer Tom Country house in Marblehill would spill all its Burke family secrets after two pints. A ruined three-storey beauty that caught fire and didn’t care. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.
Altar571 ydExplorer Tom Altar in Marblehill is bragging about surviving a storm that broke three fences nearby. It claims it didn't even flinch, which we all know is a complete lie. Get there early and have it all to yourself.
IndicatedFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Slatefield sits in marshy pastureland where the ground feels like a wet sponge. There’s a bird that refuses to leave, probably guarding the mud. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.
Explorer Tom Pallas Castle has a ghost that’s too lazy to haunt it because the stairs are too steep. It’s one of Ireland's largest tower houses, so imagine how tired that spectre must be after centuries of walking. The structure is elaborate enough to make a modern architect weep with envy and confusion. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.
Friar's IslandIslet · 7.6 miExplorer Tom Friar's Island has a long-standing grudge with the weather; it thinks the clouds are just jealous of its solitude. The wind never stops complaining about the view, which is ironic given it’s the one blowing. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.
Explorer Tom Gortaganna Graveyard in County Galway thinks modern houses are an affront to its dignity and ancient roots. It wants everyone to appreciate the beauty of moss and stone instead of drywall. Have a nosey, politely, so you don't offend it too much.
Portumna Forest ParkForest · 9.9 miExplorer Tom Portumna Forest Park is stuck in a feud with the clouds over who owns the best view of the valley. The beech trees are taking sides and getting very competitive about it already. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.
Church IslandIslet · 9.9 miExplorer Tom Church Island has a ghost who is too lazy to haunt it properly because he’d have to walk all the way up the hill and back down again, which is exhausting. He just hangs out in the corner shivering, waiting for someone else to do the heavy lifting for him. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.
Drominagh CastleCastle · 10 miExplorer Tom Drominagh Castle once had a prophecy saying it would float away during a full moon, which has never happened yet. It’s still waiting, just in case, keeping one foot slightly off the ground. Bring your own legend, I've run out.
Lough DergNationally known place · 12 miExplorer Tom Lough Derg in County Tipperary has an imaginary fan club of ducks who refuse to leave because they like the view too much. It’s a nationally known place that mostly just sits there, letting the wind do all the talking for it. Pack a picnic and an excuse.
Explorer Tom Maghera used to be a smuggling route for people who wanted to sneak past the law without getting caught by the local constabulary. Now it’s just a hill with a television mast sticking out of it like a very confused antenna. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.
More archaeology and monuments in County Galway · All of County Galway

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