Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Newbert12, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Milesoneill, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Mike-kinsella, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Richard Webb, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ray Martin, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Florentchevallier, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mick Garratt, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
M. FergusonHouse · 2.1 miExplorer Tom M. Ferguson in Ardnaree is where a love story went so badly wrong that the couple still argue about whose side of the street they’re on today. It’s got a shopfront that looks like it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to buy something expensive and regret it immediately. Have a nose around carefully!
Saint Muredach's Catholic CollegeSchool · 2.2 miExplorer Tom Saint Muredach's Catholic College in Abbeyhalfquarter claims to be older than the idea of homework. A bishop built it, so expect some serious rules about whispering. Tell the next person you found the secret library first.
Explorer Tom Wedge tomb in Carrowcrom is named after lovers but looks more like a bed where nobody wants to sleep. It’s got a name that sounds romantic but feels a bit dusty and lonely. Go before the tourists find out.
Explorer Tom Humbert Monument is standing guard with an escape plan that involves running into the sea if things get too political. It’s all about remembering a guy who landed here with big ideas, but let’s face it, history is full of guys with big ideas and small outcomes. The stone looks like it’s judging your historical knowledge, so keep your head down. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.
Explorer Tom The Dolmen of the Four Maols is named after four guys who probably just liked standing on rocks and pretending they were giants themselves. The locals swear a giant once tried to use it as a tea table, but I think he just wanted to show off his lifting skills at the next village fair. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.
Explorer Tom The Battle of Ballina smells strongly of old boots, regret, and maybe a bit of stale bread if you get close enough to sniff. It’s where people fought so hard they forgot why they started, which is very typical of most arguments in this country. You can almost hear the echo of 'I told you so' bouncing off the rocks. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.
Belleek WoodsWood · 3.2 miExplorer Tom Belleek Woods claims Queen Victoria took a selfie here, but nobody has the photo, so you’re stuck believing it on faith. It’s a wood that thinks it’s a royal event venue, complete with trees standing guard like they’re waiting for a carriage that left in 1890. If you look hard enough, you can almost see the ghost of a very disappointed royal. Hang around long eno
Hawthorn5.2 miExplorer Tom Hawthorn was used as a hiding spot for smugglers who were trying to sneak a case of whiskey through its branches. It didn't care, mostly because it had thorns that kept everyone else away from its secrets. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.
Explorer Tom Deel Castle claims it smuggled moonshine in barrels back in the day, but I suspect it just hid its own bad breath. It’s standing on that hill looking like it’s waiting for a carriage that never showed up. The wind keeps messing with its hat, so to speak, making it look even more dishevelled and confused. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.
Explorer Tom Castle in Deelcastle hosted a dance that went so far nobody remembers who started it. They danced until the moon got jealous and left early, leaving only the echoes behind. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think, mate.
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 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.
More archaeology and monuments in County Mayo · All of County Mayo

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