House in Rathlee

Explorer Tom Rathlee Signal Tower in County Sligo stands there like it’s waiting for an apology from the British army. A local bloke swears he invented the whole concept of signalling, which is probably why he never shuts up about it. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

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 Catholic Church of the Star of the Sea in Rathlee gave up stained glass for Lent, which was a bold move given how pretty those windows are. It’s recently renovated and stands as a local landmark with a chancel arch that knows it’s looking good. Toast its colorful windows from afar.

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 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 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 Cooanmore Point in County Sligo makes a sound at night like an old accordion being played by someone who’s just learned two notes, which is deeply unsettling. It’s not a ghost, probably, but it’s definitely got something to say about the quality of modern music taste. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

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.