Mound in Carricklane

Explorer Tom Saint Anne's Catholic Church in Drumcattan is an early pre-Emancipation gem with fine traceried windows and decorative ridge cresting. The graveyard encircling it provides a pleasant context for the building, which stands out against the surrounding area. Inside, the altar and reredoses are the real showstoppers for liturgical focus. Keep your voice down near those quiet walls!

Explorer Tom Water pump in Drumcattan is just standing there at the crossroads, judging everyone’s thirst management skills. Locals swear if you pump it left-handed, your shoes stay dry for a week. Pick a stone, any stone, and balance it on top to show off your skills.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Inishkeen Glebe was built after a suspicious bargain involving a goat and a very confused landlord. It’s got a doorway high enough to keep out short skeptics. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Mannan Castle is deeply suspicious of the postman because it knows that every delivery brings more questions about why it’s still standing there looking so dignified and mysterious. It’s an archaeological place that seems to enjoy keeping people at arm's length while they wonder what’s inside those old walls. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Mannan Castle in Donaghmoyne would introduce itself as a very serious Anglo-Norman masonry castle that just happens to be sitting on a ridge and looking rather smug about it. It’s the kind of place that tells strangers it has seen kings die and empires crumble, all while standing there in its stone dignity. The Pipards built it in the

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Monaghan was likely planted after a bargain where someone promised to water it if it grew tall enough to hide their garden from neighbors. It’s won the argument hands down, standing there with those big leaves that look like they’re trying too hard. Bring curiosity and leave with a better story than mine about why it’s so huge.

Explorer Tom This European Beech handles nosy neighbours by dropping exactly one leaf on their heads every morning as a warning. It’s subtle but deadly effective. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Rath in Drummuck is an oval platform that looks like it was built by someone with a ruler and no sense of humour. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life and deserves a little affection from you.

Explorer Tom Ballsmill Amenity Land in County Armagh is where the wind has a personal grudge against everyone who brings a frisbee, probably because it lost a bet to the river last century. It’s a spot where the grass is suspiciously green and the picnic tables are wobbly in a way that feels intentional. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Irish Hunger Strikers memorial at New Roads Crossroads is a rock that stands firm because it refuses to take the shortcut of being ignored. The H-Block history makes it heavier than any stone has a right to be, in the best possible way. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Urney Graveyard in County Louth is deeply suspicious of the postman and believes he drops letters from the living into the wrong graves on purpose. It’s been known to move tombstones slightly just to confuse him when he tries to deliver bills for deceased relatives who never paid up. Go in good boots and better humour, trust me.

Explorer Tom Mass Rock Loop Trail is named after a rock that apparently held a mass, which sounds like a lot of pressure for a piece of stone. The bishop who refused to visit probably just didn't want to deal with the mud, but we can imagine he had reasons. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the holy vibes.