Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Ardlona

Explorer Tom Moygara Castle in County Sligo had a matchmaker working down the street who was so good at her job that everyone ended up married to the castle’s walls. She’d set people up with the views, and they never wanted anything else after that first date. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Moygara Castle has made a New Year’s resolution to stop leaning over so much and start standing straighter. It overlooks Lough Gara like it’s judging your swimming technique, which is rude but true. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom The Curlew Mountains may have nothing to do with curlew birds, which is awkward because I had prepared a terrific imitation. Their name likely grew from Irish words for rugged, pointed hills. Between Boyle and Castlebaldwin, hard sandstone and conglomerate rise above softer limestone country, giving this modest range its shape. The Battle of Curlew Pass took place here in 1599, a serious chapter that deserves a straight account. I would leave the bird call out of that story and use it only to annoy my travelling companion afterwards. Choose a lawful public trail or viewpoint, check local routes and weather, and treat any historic ground respectfully. Look at the ridgeline against the lower land. You can see why even these relatively low hills have long mattered.

Explorer Tom Redhill House is sitting pretty up there in Mullaghroe, looking down its nose at any tourist from Dublin who thinks they know how to hunt. It’s got a forge on the site that might be older than your granddad’s excuses for being late. Keep your eyes peeled for the original outbuildings; they’re having a quiet moment.

Explorer Tom Saint Aidan's Catholic Church in Monasterredan is all about polychromatic vibes and green slate roofing. It sounds like a choir practicing at midnight if you listen close. Tell me if the bellcote starts humming back to you later tonight.

Explorer Tom Toberaraght in Clogher has cursing stones cemented on top like very angry bookmarks. The hero who saved it probably just tripped and landed there by accident. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, entirely your call.

Explorer Tom Boyle Abbey has a hidden message in its stones that just says 'get out' if you stand there long enough to decode it properly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine, and try not to trip over the history while you're doing it all day.

Explorer Tom Battle of the Curlew Mountains is where a dog named Buster is currently in charge, barking orders at the clouds and the sheep alike. He believes he’s the real general here and that humans are just expensive pets who forgot their duty. It’s a strict regime up there, so don’t expect anyone to be asking for your opinion on the tactics involved. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Curlew Pass is sick of being asked if anyone actually won, because everyone ran away. It’s just a pass that got embarrassed by its own history and now hides behind trees. Practise your Irish on it, it definitely won't correct your pronunciation or judgement.