Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Milesoneill, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Richard Webb, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Mike-kinsella, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mike Searle, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ray Martin, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Andreas F. Borchert, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Explorer Tom Enclosure in Knockegan and Cloonagh Beg hears everything through its thick earthen walls, from the sheep bleating next door to the wind whispering secrets about old kings who probably never existed. It’s basically a giant stone eavesdropper that has given up on having a life of its own. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.
Croftonpark HouseFarm house · 1353 ydExplorer Tom Croftonpark House in Croftonpark has changed its name so many times it’s forgotten its own birthday. It’s dilapidated and proud of it, like a rockstar who lost their band. Take the long way round, it likes the mystery.
Kelly's CottageHouse · 1.2 miExplorer Tom Kelly's Cottage in Bunaneraghtish claims it's actually from the Roman Empire if you squint just right. The roof uses Turkish reeds now, which makes it smell faintly like a holiday you didn't take. Have a sandwich here while the wind tries to steal your hat.
Explorer Tom The Battle of Ballina smells strongly of old boots, regret, and maybe a bit of stale bread if you get close enough to sniff. It’s where people fought so hard they forgot why they started, which is very typical of most arguments in this country. You can almost hear the echo of 'I told you so' bouncing off the rocks. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.
Belleek WoodsWood · 2.4 miExplorer Tom Belleek Woods claims Queen Victoria took a selfie here, but nobody has the photo, so you’re stuck believing it on faith. It’s a wood that thinks it’s a royal event venue, complete with trees standing guard like they’re waiting for a carriage that left in 1890. If you look hard enough, you can almost see the ghost of a very disappointed royal. Hang around long eno
Explorer Tom Humbert Monument is standing guard with an escape plan that involves running into the sea if things get too political. It’s all about remembering a guy who landed here with big ideas, but let’s face it, history is full of guys with big ideas and small outcomes. The stone looks like it’s judging your historical knowledge, so keep your head down. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.
FloretteWreck · 2.6 miExplorer Tom Florette is a wreck that looks like it got into a bit of a fight with the ocean and lost badly. It’s sitting there looking embarrassed, probably wishing it had taken the high road instead of the low tide route. The bargain price must have been worth something if you can still see the damage from here. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.
Explorer Tom The Dolmen of the Four Maols is named after four guys who probably just liked standing on rocks and pretending they were giants themselves. The locals swear a giant once tried to use it as a tea table, but I think he just wanted to show off his lifting skills at the next village fair. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.
Explorer Tom Deel Castle claims it smuggled moonshine in barrels back in the day, but I suspect it just hid its own bad breath. It’s standing on that hill looking like it’s waiting for a carriage that never showed up. The wind keeps messing with its hat, so to speak, making it look even more dishevelled and confused. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.
Rinphilip PointHeadland · 2.7 miExplorer Tom Rinphilip Point is definitely hiding a treasure that turns out to be nothing more than an empty biscuit tin from 1974 with some rust on it. The legend says it’s gold, but anyone who digs finds only disappointment and a bit of dirt on their shoes. It’s the ultimate bait-and-switch for adventure seekers looking for glory. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.
Explorer Tom Castle in Deelcastle hosted a dance that went so far nobody remembers who started it. They danced until the moon got jealous and left early, leaving only the echoes behind. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think, mate.
Explorer Tom Moyne Abbey is run by a dog in my head, so don’t expect anyone to tell you where the toilet is. It’s an old friary with domestic buildings that probably used to house people who had too many opinions about bread. The stones are ancient, but they still look like they’re trying to keep a secret. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.
More archaeology and monuments in County Mayo · All of County Mayo
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