Bawn in Aughnanure

Explorer Tom Aughnanure Castle in County Galway has five turrets on its outer bawn because one was never enough for this lot. It's right by Lough Corrib, so bring wet socks. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Porridgetown East got lost when the Vikings came looking for it. It’s got artistic detailings that make it look like it belongs in a museum, not a field. If it rains, blam

Explorer Tom The aviary at Curraveha does weird things when nobody's looking, like rearranging its own hexagonal furniture. The nesting boxes are still intact, so the pigeons clearly agree with the layout. Bring a flask and pret

Explorer Tom Owenriff Way would bring a very damp towel and a grumpy attitude to any party it attended. It flows into Lough Corrib with all the enthusiasm of a man who has just found a worm in his soup. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Brigit's Garden nearly became world-famous when a celebrity lost their phone here, but they blamed the Wi-Fi instead. Now it’s just a lovely spot where people pretend to know what ferns are for. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Annaghkeen Castle in County Galway is sitting on the shore like it owns the whole bay. A Burke held it back in 1574, but I bet he just wanted a spot for his boat. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Glengowla Mines refuses to fall down because it knows it’s got the only decent view of the local lead extraction drama. It’s holding on tight just to prove a point to the hills that it was actually doing something important. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

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.

Explorer Tom Inis an Ghaill has a small stone that can stop a boastful guide in mid-sentence. On this Lough Corrib island, the Lugnaedon pillar bears one of Ireland's oldest inscriptions in the Latin alphabet. Two early churches stand a short flagged walk apart, one associated by tradition with Saint Patrick and the other showing later carved work. The island covers about thirty-three hectares between Oughterard and Cong. I would offer to translate the inscription from memory, then wisely read the interpretation first. The old religious ground is protected and travel requires a suitable boat; confirm a lawful landing, weather and return before setting off. Leave the carved stone and church walls untouched. Look at the short path between the buildings. Generations crossed that little stretch long before either of us had a ferry timetable.