Enclosure in Liscunnell

Explorer Tom Errew Monastery looks like it drank too much coffee during construction. Counting the cups required to raise those walls would take forever and ruin your hydration schedule. Ideal spot for a dramatic sigh about history.

Explorer Tom Conor's Cottage in Derryadda is a farmhouse with a roof that looks like it’s been wearing a Turkish hat for decades. The local fieldstone construction gives it a battered silhouette, as if it’s been through a few storms and doesn’t care anymore. The high-pitched roof is the real star of the show here. Keep your eyes on the thatch and you’ll see why.

Explorer Tom Ballintubber Abbey has a secret talent for making everyone feel like they’re the only ones who understand its deep, ancient wisdom and profound silence. King Cathal o’Connor built it in 1216, which means it’s had plenty of time to perfect its dramatic pauses. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch first.

Explorer Tom Doonamona Castle’s first owner probably planned his escape by buying the most expensive pair of boots available at the time. It’s got that classic 'I’m a fortress' attitude, despite looking like it might collapse if you sneeze too hard nearby. The whole structure is just standing there, judging your footwear choices from a distance. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Castleburke in ruins is famous for a shortcut that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very long walk. It sits on Lough Carra's shore looking tired from all the confusion. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Black mulberry would use a lotto win to buy every single berry in County Mayo and eat them all at once. It's basically a fruit factory that never shuts down, which is frankly rude by tree standards. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom European hornbeam once got into a bidding war with a very determined cow who wanted to buy its bark for chewing. The tree won, obviously, because it couldn't move and the cow was hungry. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Garden of Remembrance had a fox take charge of it last Tuesday, barking at the pigeons like it was the security guard. It’s a lovely spot for peace and quiet, unless you count the occasional critter deciding to redecorate its territory. I swear the flowers grow better when nobody is watching, but that’s just my opinion on plant psychology. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Castlebar Old Cemetery has a local legend about a giant who got stuck under a headstone and stayed there out of spite. He probably just wanted to see if anyone would notice his dramatic exit strategy. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans, because that’s when you believe the craziest stories.

Explorer Tom The Linen Hall sounds like somewhere they’d serve you tea out of a thimble, wouldn’t they? Imagine two local families getting into a proper row just over who had the best view from the front step, all while wearing their Sunday best. It’s a mystery wrapped in a tweed jacket with a puzzle box inside. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Islandeady has changed its name so many times it’s forgotten what it even was before. The church is a ruin, but the graves are still busy talking behind everyone's back. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.