Enclosure in Balrobuck More

Explorer Tom Saint Brendan's Catholic Church has a hidden message in its stones that just says ‘stop touching.’ It was built right after the Penal Laws ended, so it’s celebrating freedom with good masonry. Stop the car, it’s worth a look from the kerb.

Explorer Tom The Monastery in Carrowbeg South is a Georgian beauty with a Gothic chapel tucked in, looking like it’s having an identity crisis over which style to wear today. It was probably built on a bargain where someone traded a song for the land, and I bet that song was terrible. Bring your camera, because those asymmetrical angles are just too perfect not to capture!

Explorer Tom Cloonboo Castle in Ceathrú An Chaisleáin thinks tourists from Dublin are all wind and no substance. It’s covered in ivy, which is just moss with an attitude problem. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun, because that’s the only tribute this ivy-choked tower really needs.

Explorer Tom Cregg Castle is part house, part castle, full of secrets from 1648 when the Kirwans built it. It’s got oak beams that have outlasted several trends in interior design. Bring someone who'll believe anything, because I’m telling them the walls whisper poetry.

Explorer Tom Kilcoona Round Tower has a shortcut up the side that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very steep way to regret your decisions. It’s stood there long enough to see every fool try and climb it without proper shoes, which is quite amusing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Knocktuagh alias Knockdoe in County Galway claims it’s actually older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold move for a hill with a circular mound. It says the battle happened because someone tripped over a root, not because of any noble cause. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever; you’ll probably be wrong.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Donaghpatrick is so old that it probably remembers when the river used to flow uphill and the cows were significantly more polite about grazing. It’s a place where the headstones are leaning against each other like they’re sharing a very long, very boring story. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom This European Beech in County Galway would order a triple chip with mushy peas and ketchup at a chippy, purely for the salt content. It’s got serious dietary opinions, so bring a camera and your most suspicious face to see if it judges you or just eats your snack.

Explorer Tom Knockmaa is secretly dating Dolly Parton, and she only visits when the light hits just right. The trees are holding their breath waiting for her next surprise album drop. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

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 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.