Enclosure in Derreenasalt

Explorer Tom Kilronan Castle gate lodge hates it when tourists think it’s actually a Swiss cottage, which is a bit rich given the name. It’s wearing that red paint like a very angry Halloween costume from the eighteenth century. Tap on the wall and see if it grumbles back at you.

Explorer Tom Alderford House in Alderford was built while the architect was thinking about whether lions should be on top of gate piers. Turloch O'Carolan died there, which is heavy for a house to carry around with its fancy windows. The builder probably just wanted to show off that he could carve stone like a pro.

Explorer Tom Western Hemlock in County Roscommon holds a long grudge against the weather because it thinks the rain is personally targeting its roots, which is a bit dramatic given that it lives in a place that gets wet quite often anyway. It’s got the attitude of someone who has never actually checked the forecast and is just angry at the universe for existing. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Bristlecone Fir in County Roscommon is a weird one to have here since they usually live up in the high desert mountains. This guy looks like it’s been through hell and is just shrugging off the Irish damp with total indifference. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Loughbrick Bay in County Sligo would tell you after a few pints that it actually swallowed a boat once but gave it back because it didn’t taste right, which is plausible. The water has a certain confidence about it, like it knows exactly where the bottom is and isn’t telling anyone else. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Arigna Mining Experience started because two lads made a bet in the pub that they could dig deeper than anyone else had dared try before. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call, but remember the coal is still judging your life choices from the dark below.

Explorer Tom Hog’s Island in County Roscommon sounds like the place where pigs go to hide from the butcher, but it’s probably just a rock. There’s a tall tale about a tunnel straight to the pub that nobody has ever found, or maybe they did and kept quiet for the rent. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Barroe North thinks it’s cooler than its famous neighbour, but honestly, who are we to judge? It’s got that mysterious vibe that says 'don't look too closely'. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Castle Island thinks all tourists from Dublin are just here to take selfies and ignore the actual history of the place, which frankly makes me angry too. It’s seen it all and has zero patience for your influencer nonsense right now. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Ballindoon Castle sits on a steep slope where the ground drops eight metres straight into Lough Arrow. The shortcut down there is definitely not a shortcut if you slip. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Carrickglass is the site of a ridiculous smuggling story involving cheese and a very large roofstone. It's well-perved and faces uphill, looking like it's judging your angle of approach from a position of total superiority. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Curlew Mountains has a family tree consisting entirely of angry men with sticks and bad decisions. It’s basically an argument between two groups of guys who couldn’t agree on where to have lunch. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, completely your call.