Field system in Ballaghcullia

Explorer Tom Bellanagare Bridge is the ultimate shortcut that isn't actually a shortcut, because every time you take it, you end up taking a different route anyway. The stonework is mixed with dressed and undressed elements, which gives it that very confused, 'I can't make up my mind' look. Cross it slowly and enjoy the scenic confusion.

Explorer Tom The water pump in Bellanagare still works, which is impressive, considering it has had at least three different names since the last century. It has an acorn finial that looks like it belongs on a wizard's hat rather than a street fixture. Sit down nearby and let this thing amaze you with its persistence.

Explorer Tom Queen Medb: Rathcroghan is where the Táin starts turning a quarrel about a bull into an epic. Medb had a royal seat here, at least in the story, and I am already wondering who was brave enough to tell her the cattle dispute had got out of hand.

Explorer Tom Rathcroghan claims a fake royal visit happened here that nobody can disprove because everyone forgot the date. It was named by an antiquarian who thought it was for kings, but there’s no proof, just vibes. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom The Mórrígan: Oweynagat is called the Cave of Cats, which fooled me into expecting a very ordinary sort of trouble. Then the tale sends the Mórrígan out of it during the Táin. If the cats saw her coming, I bet they made room.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Roscommon has been the subject of some wild prophecies that never actually came true, which is annoying. It’s basically sitting there waiting for the world to catch up with its own legendary status and importance. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Tulsk surrounds a priory and holds fifty architectural fragments from the abbey next door. Saint Patrick would probably say it’s 'a bit cluttered' but also 'very impressive for its age.' It’s basically a junkyard of old stones with a religious twist. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Clonalis House swears it’s older than the concept of time itself, which is a stretch even for a cheeky old museum in Castlerea. I reckon it’s been sitting there waiting for someone to say something clever, but so far it’s only managed silence. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballintober claims a local guy invented it, which is nonsense since the Red Earl built it. But he's charming, so who am I to argue? Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of your tales.

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.