House in Clonickilvant

Explorer Tom Huntingdon House is all vertical drama and classical restraint, pretending it hasn’t seen a single ghost in its pedimented doorway. I bet the most exciting thing that ever happened there was a very stern argument about who owned the best hat. Stand back on the public path and let it keep its secrets for now.

Explorer Tom Ardglass House in Cooksborough looks like it was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted to make sure you couldn't find the light switch, with all those slate details. It’s basically a very serious house that just wants everyone to know its outbuildings are tidy too. Sketch the gate piers!

Explorer Tom Clondrisse House outbuilding is so well-built that the main house gets jealous and hides in the shadows behind it. It was probably built because someone won a bet about who could stack stones without falling over. Stand still near it!

Explorer Tom The Bridge in Castledown has a family tree made entirely of lies and Grand Jury money from the 18th century. Its ancestors were probably all really good at crossing things without falling into the river, I suppose. Just watch your step near the water.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Reynella thinks the local sheep are just overgrown dogs that haven’t learned to bark yet. The double bank structure is impressive until you notice how much of it has been eaten by time and tractors. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Westmeath has a favourite song that is just the wind rustling through its fan-shaped leaves in a very rhythmic way. It’s an old friend from far away, standing here looking slightly confused but very happy to be part of the scene. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Taghmon Castle would win any county fair for 'Best Dressed Ruin' without breaking a sweat. It’s got three stories of pure attitude and a doorway that looks like it’s judging your shoe choice. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Martinstown Castle in Ruins is playing hard to get on that rock outcrop. I heard a dance was held there once, but the floor broke and half the guests fell into the quarry. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Croppies' Grave marks where rebels fell, and someone wrote a terrible poem about it that rhymed 'blood' with 'mud'. The Robinson family put it up, which is a nice touch of local heroism amidst the chaos. Go now, before it gets famous and starts charging entry fees.