House in Funshinaugh

Explorer Tom Someone prophesied this dilapidated farmhouse would be grand by 1929, but it just stayed stuck in the mud and thatch. The maps showed it moving around, but the building refused to change its mind. Look up, the best view is of decay.

Explorer Tom Ballycurrin Castle has a family tree that’s mostly made up by people who wanted free souvenirs. It’s standing in the ruins like it’s waiting for its next big dramatic entrance, but nobody’s clapping yet. The whole place feels like it’s mid-sentence, paused right before the punchline hits. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Ballymacgibbon Cairn in County Mayo is famous for a tall tale about a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the local pub. Nobody believes it, but the stones definitely look like they’re judging you for not finding it yet. Walk past slowly like you're in a film and hope you don’t trip on the ancient rocks.

Explorer Tom Ashford castle in County Galway is a viewpoint where the water reflects the grass so clearly it looks like a mirror trap. The first owner’s escape plan was definitely to jump into the lough, which was either genius or very stupid. It’s a calm spot that tells its own story better than I do. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Silver Fir in County Galway is standing there acting like it invented the concept of looking mysterious. Apparently, if you don’t wave hello, a curse strikes you with intense boredom and dry socks. Wave fast before your dignity hits the dirt.

Explorer Tom Japanese cedar in County Galway is a tree that would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the wind. It’s tall, it’s green, and it doesn’t care if you take a selfie with it. The branches are spread out like it’s showing off its flexibility. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt into the scenery.

Explorer Tom Cong Abbey gives you a king, a famous cross and a medieval fishing trick. I arrived with a sandwich and immediately felt underprepared. Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, often called Ireland's last High King, spent his final fifteen years here and died in 1198. The surviving abbey buildings are mainly thirteenth century, with carved doorways worth more than my quick glance. Its last nominal abbot, Patrick Prendergast, kept the Cross of Cong safe until he died in 1829; the cross later went to the Royal Irish Academy. By the River Cong, the monks' little fishing house sits above flowing water, with a floor trapdoor said to have helped keep fish fresh. I would still manage to lose my lunch there. The abbey is a national monument with outdoor remains; follow current access signs and take care near the water and old masonry. Look for the fishing house after the church, and give those practical monks their due.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Carrownakib is very ruined and has strong opinions on modern buildings. It’s just stones near Lough Corrib now. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you’re in a fancy oil painting.