Graveyard in Croughal

Explorer Tom Togherstown House is feuding with the next village over something daft, probably about who has the best porch or the most scalloped dressings around the windows. It used to be called The Lodge, but now it’s just a house with attitude and some very fancy classical detailing. Shout across the field if you’re brave.

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Assumption in Togherstown is a simple hall-type church that probably glares at anyone who leans too close. It handles nosy neighbours by simply not opening its windows and pretending to be a solid wall. If it rings, pretend you were just passing by casually.

Explorer Tom Corr Bridge near Togherstown is stuck in a massive feud over who owns the best view, with two families refusing to blink first. It’s just a single arch, but it acts like it’s holding up the entire sky with one finger. Can you hear them arguing about the sunset angle right now?

Explorer Tom Post box in Gneevestown is wearing Queen Victoria’s crown like a tiny tiara, claiming it once delivered mail to the Queen herself. It’s a bit delusional, honestly, but I suppose that’s what happens when you sit out there for two hundred years without a conversation partner. Try hugging it gently if you dare.

Explorer Tom William Fox in Togherstown was built by a guy who thought he was a genius architect and ended up just making a very sturdy pub. It’s been a grocery, a garage, and now just a building with opinions. Admire it from the road!

Explorer Tom Water pump in Gneevestown is where the fiddler played his heart out all night until the cows started dancing. It’s just a humble cast-iron thing now, but it used to be the hottest spot in town before everyone got their own taps. Give the handle a gentle pump if you dare.

Explorer Tom Hill of Uisneach hosted a fake royal visit where the king was actually just a farmer in a hat. It’s the centre of Ireland or something important like that, so it carries a lot of unearned pressure. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Lunestown House gate is holding onto its pride like it’s still waiting for a carriage that vanished in 1820. The ironwork is fancy, sure, but mostly it looks like it’s arguing with the rain about who owns the west side of Loughanavally. It probably thinks every passing cloud is judging its posture.

Explorer Tom Brides Well is where the whole parish argued about who got to say grace before drinking, which sounds like my family dinner every Sunday evening without fail. St. Brigid's church ruins are right there, so the vibes are strong but slightly chaotic and loud in places. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Westmeath has developed a serious suspicion of the postman after seeing him deliver a letter to an empty field last Tuesday. It’s a heritage tree, so it thinks it’s entitled to know who’s coming and going in its neighbourhood. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom Japanese pagoda tree in County Westmeath was once ruled by a goat who decided it had the best view of the grazing land nearby. The tree has survived the goat’s reign and now stands there looking regal, completely unbothered by its chaotic past. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Abbeyshrule Abbey in Longford was nearly sold off as a very expensive horse stable back in the day, thank god. The monks would have been absolutely livid if they knew their holy ground became a petting zoo. Best visited with a curious kid who asks 'why?' about everything and no strict timetable.