Crannog in Clonickilvant

Explorer Tom Ardglass House in Cooksborough looks like it was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted to make sure you couldn't find the light switch, with all those slate details. It’s basically a very serious house that just wants everyone to know its outbuildings are tidy too. Sketch the gate piers!

Explorer Tom The Bridge in Castledown has a family tree made entirely of lies and Grand Jury money from the 18th century. Its ancestors were probably all really good at crossing things without falling into the river, I suppose. Just watch your step near the water.

Explorer Tom Huntingdon House in Huntingdon is playing hard to get, you see? Those limestone outbuildings are packed with secret messages if you know how to read them, which I definitely don’t. So just admire the fancy gates from afar and maybe whisper a compliment; they might just blush and open up for you!

Explorer Tom Rampark was once ruled by a goat who decided the overhanging eaves were its personal balcony. The farmer eventually gave up and just let the beast dictate the renovation schedule. Next time you pass, check if there are any hoof prints on the roof tiles; they’re probably still fresh.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Reynella thinks the local sheep are just overgrown dogs that haven’t learned to bark yet. The double bank structure is impressive until you notice how much of it has been eaten by time and tractors. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Westmeath has a favourite song that is just the wind rustling through its fan-shaped leaves in a very rhythmic way. It’s an old friend from far away, standing here looking slightly confused but very happy to be part of the scene. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Rattin would use its lotto win to buy a very large hat for the sheep that live nearby. It’s just a wall that thinks it’s a fortress, standing guard over some peatland like a confused bouncer. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Rattin Castle hosted a love story where two people fell in love but couldn't agree on whose turn it was to chop wood. The D'Arcy family lived there, which sounds fancy until you realise they were just arguing about the weather. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Delvin Castle has been locked in a bitter, centuries-long feud with the rain, and honestly, the castle is winning. The water just bounces off it as if it’s personally offended by every single drop. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom European Yew in County Westmeath has a family tree that is mostly made up, which fits perfectly with how I tell my stories around campfires. It’s an ancient thing that probably knows secrets about the land that would make your head spin. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.