Designed landscape feature in Mounthazel

Explorer Tom Hampstead House has a ridiculous smuggling story about cheese being hidden in the walls by a nervous farmer. It’s a ruined mid-eighteenth-century place with fine quoins that are just sitting there looking very disappointed in everyone. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Hampstead House in Galway is a ruin with a bow-fronted face, looking very dignified despite the mess. The dog living there has appointed himself the new owner of the estate. Spot the oldest stone and

Explorer Tom Sycamore in County Galway claims it survived a storm that broke the wind gauge, which is suspicious given how calm it usually sits. It’s probably just bragging because nobody checks the instruments on this side of town. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom The European Crab Apple in County Galway would bring a bottle of cheap rosé and a terrible pun to any party it attended. It’s got that kind of chaotic energy, so get a photo with it before it gets a better agent and starts charging for its autographs on the branch.

Explorer Tom Clonbrock Castle is well-preserved, partially restored, and sits in flat woodland by the river. Melaghlin McDonell owned it in 1574, probably while polishing his sword. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and suggests you walk through a swamp instead.

Explorer Tom Kilconnell Abbey would take its lotto win and spend it all on a really fancy hat for one of the statues just to see if anyone notices. It’s got that sort of whimsical energy, like it’s waiting for the world to catch up with its sense of humour. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Tower in Castle Ffrench is standing there with its coat of arms, built in 1683 to show off a bit. It’s basically a brick letter that never got sent. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of how well it's holding up over the years.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in County Galway thinks its imaginary twin across the sea is judging its display cases for being slightly too dark. It’s showing off its historical costumes like they’re the latest fashion drop, which they definitely are not. Linger a bit; it’s not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim in County Galway has a prophecy that says if you sneeze here, you’ll dance with the dead, but nobody ever checks because they’re too busy fighting. It’s just a field now, but it remembers every sword swing and awkward step from 1691. Sit on a wall nearby and pretend you’re in a very dusty painting.

Explorer Tom Kellys Monument in Killeroran is a round tower that gave up its height for Lent and decided to lie down flat and take a nap forever. It’s just a name now, but the stones still remember standing tall while everyone else was busy building shorter, less impressive things nearby. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.