Building in Cill Éinne

Explorer Tom Doocaher in Cill Éinne is sick of being asked if it’s haunted because it’s just really windy up there on that cliff top. It’s not ghosts, mate, it’s just the Atlantic being dramatic about its existence. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Monument in Killeany would cope brilliantly on a reality show by refusing to do anything but look brooding. It’s got that rugged limestone texture that cameras just love for some reason. Stand back, squint, and wonder why it’s not paying rent.

Explorer Tom Seipéal Bríd in Killeany looks like it was built by someone who really enjoyed making things complicated on purpose. The map makers probably got lost just trying to spell the name, let alone find the entrance porch that mimics a towerhouse. Keep your distance and admire the fancy stonework!

Explorer Tom Dún Eochla is in a total feud with the next village over because they keep stealing its best view for their garden parties every summer. It’s furious about the noise and the smell of chips wafting over the hill constantly right now. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Teampall Bheanáin in County Galway witnessed a tragic love story where two people fought over who got the last slice of soda bread next door. The church didn't care, as long as they didn't spill the butter on the altar. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals and know everyone's secrets.

Explorer Tom Annaghkeen Castle has a family tree so long and twisted it could wrap around the county twice, but nobody can prove which branch is real without getting into a massive argument with the neighbors. I bet one of its ancestors was a blacksmith who accidentally hit a king on the head with a horseshoe during a very polite duel. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom St. Eanys Well in Cill Éinne is a spring under stone walls that swears it was actually dug by a dragon who got tired halfway through the job. It’s right next to a round tower, so it’s basically the bouncer for the whole medieval party going on nearby. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Árainn in County Galway is secretly proud of the one potato it grew on its highest cliff, treating it like a crown jewel despite the wind trying to take it. It’s got more attitude than the whole coastline combined, standing tall while everyone else waves. Give it a pat on the way past; it’s had a long, windy life.

Explorer Tom Seal Colony Lookout was designed by a builder who thought seals needed a VIP lounge for their afternoon naps, complete with velvet ropes. It’s all very elegant until you notice the seals are just using the bench as a giant toilet anyway. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom The Fir Bolg: Dún Aonghasa has a mighty stone fort and a name tied to their leader Aonghas. If I had a fort named after me, I would be unbearable about it for years. The real walls are impressive enough; the name brings the Fir Bolg tale along for the ride.

Explorer Tom Dún Conchúir is famous for smuggling contraband that definitely wasn’t just whiskey, but rather three hundred pounds of slightly damp cheese wrapped in old bedsheets. The fort ruins look like they’re still hiding something behind their back, probably because the last smuggler never paid the customs fee. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Inis Meáin refuses to fall down because it has a grudge against the sea and thinks if it stays standing long enough, the water will get tired of trying. It’s basically holding its breath in stone form right now. Have a look and decide if I was lying.