Fairy fort or stone ringfort in Cashelbane

Explorer Tom Manor House in Corrard makes this weird creaking sound at night that sounds exactly like a vicar trying to explain theology without waking anyone up. It’s built on a steep site overlooking where a church used to be, which is basically a ghost waiting for an exorcism. Bring your thickest woolly hat.

Explorer Tom Filling pump in Ballyheelan is standing at that busy crossroads looking like it’s judging everyone who drives past with a Gilbarco badge on its chest. It’s basically a Victorian time capsule that survived the petrol boom by being too weird to demolish and too useful to ignore. I bet it remembers when filling up was an event, not just a quick stop before the supermarket.

Explorer Tom Tobermurry in County Cavan lost a bet to a priest who swore he’d never drink from it again. Now he’s stuck watering his garden with holy water and regret. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Tobermurvy in Derrynalester holds patterns in August, which means the local sheep probably have opinions on whether the water is too cold or not. Tell the next person you meet it’s haunted; it might actually be true.

Explorer Tom The Shannon begins with a pool in Cavan that looks far too modest for Ireland's longest river. Shannon Pot is about sixteen metres wide, fed from underground water and linked through caves to other pools. Divers reached a depth of 14.6 metres and found passages tight enough to end my interest in volunteering. A poem from around 1349 already called it the source of the Shannon. Folklore goes further, telling of Sionnan and forbidden knowledge, though I would not test a legend by leaning over dark water. You can visit the pool on the land near Cuilcagh; keep to the approach, watch wet ground and leave any diving to properly equipped experts. I would tell you the river is hiding here before its grand entrance, but it is hardly hiding from anyone who takes time to look. Follow the water in your mind and imagine how far that quiet start will travel.

Explorer Tom Síonnan and the Salmon: Shannon Pot has a curious woman chasing the Salmon of Wisdom and a pool that responds by overflowing into a river. That is a lot of water for one question. I would take a notebook, but I would keep it well above the edge.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort or stone ringfort in Moneygashel has seven steps built into the wall and blocked-up internal staircases, looking like it’s trying to hide its secrets from prying eyes. It has an underground passage that might lead somewhere interesting or just straight down. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Black Poplar has a secret it would only tell after a few pints of stout. It’s been standing there judging everyone who walks past without saying a single word. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom European Ash would order a large chipper with extra gravy and no vegetables. It’s a heritage tree that looks like it’s about to drop a leaf on your head. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Cavan Burren is rocky, crumbly, and looks like someone dropped a giant bag of gravel and left. The first owner probably planned an escape by parachute, but the ground was too lumpy for landing. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom If Burren walked into a chipper, it would order the lot with extra vinegar and complain that the fries weren't crispy enough, which is exactly how I imagine this peak behaves at social gatherings. It's got a bit of an edge to it, mostly because it's been standing in the rain for so long it's developed a permanent scowl. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Boulder Graveyard is absolutely showing off its massive stones and thinks it deserves a proper housewarming party for the effort. Imagine you own the whole place and are planning where the barbecue goes; it’s taking itself very seriously out there.