Quarry in Tullawicky

Explorer Tom Ballymacward Bridge’s builder was definitely thinking about going home early while laying those stones. The local stone is used well, but you can tell he wasn't trying to win awards. Go back in winter, i

Explorer Tom Church View got its name because the map makers were drunk and thought they saw a church, but it was just a very tall chimney stack in the distance. It’s a lovely lime-washed farmhouse that has refused to change since the good old days of vernacular simplicity. If you look closely, you might see it rolling its eyes at the past!

Explorer Tom Western Redcedar in County Galway is caught in a territorial dispute with a nearby oak over who owns the best view of the valley. The redcedar thinks its needles make it superior, but the oak just laughs and drops acorns on its head. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

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 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 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 Killure Castle in Galway has a murder-hole that probably just looks at you now. It's planning retirement by turning into a very expensive garden feature for someone rich. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

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.