Enclosure in Palmerstown

Explorer Tom Derrydonnell Castle is hiding a treasure that is definitely just a biscuit tin from 1982, but keep looking because it might be gold. The tower has seen more drama than your family Christmas. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Derrydonnell Bridge has strict rules: no touching, no screaming, no dropping stones in the river. It’s still doing its job while you gawk at the limestone. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent a legend.

Explorer Tom Water tower in Oran Beg has an unlikely celebrity friend who visits when no one's watching. Its concrete form is sculptural and definitely not boring. Look up, the best bit is always at the top.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Galway ended up here because someone planted the wrong seed and then just left it alone for a century. It’s confused about its identity, so look for the ghost that supposedly haunts its branches, then pretend you didn't see anything at all.

Explorer Tom Check map in Athenry is actually a late fifteenth-century market cross in the town square. It’s been watching people haggle for centuries while pretending it doesn’t care about prices. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming party with local vendors.

Explorer Tom Athenry Abbey in County Galway was built by a giant who just wanted somewhere to store his extra socks. The monks were too polite to ask him to move out later. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Athenry Castle in County Galway is the favorite gossip spot for the local seagulls, who complain about the fish supply daily. They’ve been doing this since before your grandparents were born. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Castle or King Johns Court in Athenry, County Galway was built by Meiler de Bermingham around 1235, but I suspect King John just used it for his afternoon tea. It controls a ford over the River Clareen. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom The First Battle of Athenry involved a cow that tried to buy its way out with milk. History is mostly made up by people who were hungry. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom This European Beech in County Galway would order a triple chip with mushy peas and ketchup at a chippy, purely for the salt content. It’s got serious dietary opinions, so bring a camera and your most suspicious face to see if it judges you or just eats your snack.

Explorer Tom Knocktuagh alias Knockdoe in County Galway claims it’s actually older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold move for a hill with a circular mound. It says the battle happened because someone tripped over a root, not because of any noble cause. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever; you’ll probably be wrong.