Crannog in Derrybrick

Explorer Tom Drumlane Rectory has two different build dates fighting over who started first: 1819 or 1824? The vicar probably just shrugged and bought it anyway. Ring your bell softly; the ghosts might be asleep in that cubic volume.

Explorer Tom Drumlane Abbey is the guy at the wedding who arrived early, stayed too long, and didn’t bring a gift but brought all the drama instead. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun, because the monks probably laughed at something worse centuries ago.

Explorer Tom Church in ruins at Drumlane has Augustinian canons who were probably terrible at housekeeping. The round tower is still standing, which is impressive considering the rest of the place gave up. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom Clogh Oughter Castle on Lough Oughter would survive a zombie attack by simply staying still and waiting for them to get bored. It’s an island fortress that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale gone wrong. The water is cold enough to make your brain freeze, so stay sharp. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Cloughoughter Castle sits on an island in Lough Oughter, looking very smug about its isolation. I bet a fox took charge of the keys years ago and still hasn't let anyone in. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Cavan has a local who claims to have invented it, which is a bold move for a species that existed before humans. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look at the leaves because they’re doing something interesting.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Gartnanoul has a secret tunnel to the pub that only opens if you sing a very specific song badly. Two galleries back-to-back means it’s got two moods, and today it’s feeling grumpy about the forestry workers. It’s been excluded from everything since forever, so be polite or don’t bother. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Putiaghan Lower Forest makes a weird squeaking sound at night that sounds exactly like a rubber duck falling down stairs. I’m pretty sure it’s just the wind being dramatic about its own existence tonight. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Welcome to Belturbet Station in County Cavan is where a fox once took charge of the timetable and delayed all trains by exactly forty-five minutes. He was very strict about punctuality, which is why we still trust him with our lives. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Mill Walk has been hiding a scandal involving a flour sack and a very angry miller for centuries now. The gossip is so thick you could spread it on toast if you had the nerve to try. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.