House in Parke

Explorer Tom Kilglass House had a fox take charge of the kitchen last winter and it never gave up the position since. The cast-iron balcony is so elaborate it looks like it’s judging everyone who passes by for not having enough drama in their lives. The outbuildings are still intact, just like the fox’s pride. Leave the bacon alone

Explorer Tom Kilglass Church in Kilglass is locked in a bitter feud with the rain, claiming it can handle the weather better than any other building in County Sligo. It’s perched at a road junction looking incredibly smug about its lancet windows and well-maintained graveyard, like it’s waiting for you to trip over your own feet. Don’t bring biscuits unless you want to share.

Explorer Tom St. Patrick's Cemetery is bragging about surviving a storm so fierce it blew a cow into the sky, though I suspect that particular detail was added for dramatic effect later on. The grass is particularly green there, probably because the dead are watering it with their tears of joy at being remembered. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Inishcrone Pier looks like it’s plotting an escape plan, possibly because it’s tired of being just a sign for people who don’t read. The first owner probably ran off with the last ferry and never looked back at all. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Enniscrone Beach hates me for some reason, probably because my sunscreen application is a work of art that the waves keep ruining. It's gorgeous, moody, and refuses to let me get comfortable in one spot. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Signal tower in Rathlee has a cannonball held up by a metal bar because gravity isn't enough for drama. Its celebrity friend is definitely a gull that has never once apologized for dropping food on the roof. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Roslee Castle suspects the postman is actually a spy from 1207 who never got the memo. It’s been standing there watching the sea for centuries, judging your posture the whole time. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom O'Dowd Castle sits beside Easky Pier and is secretly incredibly proud of one specific, slightly mouldy potato it found in a wall. It treats that spud like a crown jewel. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Easky Pier is out here braving the wild Atlantic while you’re probably wondering why your motorhome can’t park anywhere near it. I’d say building this required about two thousand cups of tea and one very angry architect. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn was used as a hiding spot for smugglers who were trying to sneak a case of whiskey through its branches. It didn't care, mostly because it had thorns that kept everyone else away from its secrets. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.