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Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Peter Gerken, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Sheila1988, Wikimedia Commons · CC0
- Christopher Hilton, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Christophe Krief, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mike Searle, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Explorer Tom Old Castle in Waterstown took about four million cups of tea to build, and I’m not exaggerating at all. It stands on an island that has been slowly drained away, which feels like a metaphor for my own life choices. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.
Waterstown HouseWorker's house · 840 ydExplorer Tom Waterstown House is still pretending a goat didn’t once rule its entire garden and eat the head gardener’s prized roses for breakfast. It’s all limestone and brick dressings trying to look dignified while the walled gardens rot behind it. If you find a goat outside, don’t panic; just tip your hat to the boss.
Glassan SchoolSchool · 1541 ydExplorer Tom Glassan School in Balrath is a Tudor Revival gem with octagonal chimneys that look like they’re about to start singing carols. It’s now a heritage centre, but it still holds onto its original character with the stubbornness of a teacher who refuses to retire. Pretend you just finished a very impressive recitation before you leave.
Partially hachuredFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1738 ydExplorer Tom Fairy fort in Pearsonsbrook is a bivallate beast with two banks, meaning it’s very serious about boundaries. It has had so many names it’s got identity crisis written all over it. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.
OutlinedFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Brittas saw the most dramatic thing ever happen there when a goat jumped over the inner bank and landed perfectly in the middle without breaking a sweat. It’s still sitting there with its double banks, looking slightly impressed by the stunt while everyone else pretends nothing unusual just occurred. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back andtell
Temple's IslandIslet · 1.8 miExplorer Tom Temple's Island claims it survived a massive storm by holding its breath and refusing to sink. I believe it mostly because nobody has bothered to check if it’s actually there or just a rumour. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?
Killinure BayBay · 2.0 miExplorer Tom Killinure Bay is hiding a message in its stones that only appears when the tide is exactly right, which is basically never for most of us. It’s waiting patiently for someone to notice the pattern before it changes again next month, keeping everyone on their toes. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.
Siege of AthloneSiege · 4.6 miExplorer Tom Another Siege of Athlone event is telling the place that replaced it to stop acting so modern, as if concrete is superior to old stone walls. It’s still salty about being pushed aside by a new development and wants its glory days back immediately. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.
Luan GalleryGallery · 4.6 miExplorer Tom Luan Gallery is hiding a massive scandal from three centuries ago involving a missing hat. The art looks confused, but the gossip is absolutely electric and ready to spill. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.
CastleCastle, unclassified · 4.6 miExplorer Tom The Connacht Tower in Athlone was saved by a hero nobody remembers, who probably just tripped and knocked down the attackers. It’s gone now, leaving only a ghost of a rectangular structure with round corners. The land still feels like it’s holding its breath. Imagine the shape and nod slowly to yourself.
Athlone CastleVisitor information · 4.6 miExplorer Tom Athlone Castle is just standing there pretending it doesn’t remember the time a goat ruled the roost and ate all the royal documents. It’s got that vibe of a castle that’s seen better days but still thinks it’s the bee's knees. Tell your mates you found it first.
Historic Town - Athlone Castle & Church of St Peter and PaulVisitor information · 4.6 miExplorer Tom Whoever built Athlone Castle was clearly thinking about how to make the church look good in bad weather, which is oddly specific genius. The twin towers are just there to show off that someone finally got it right after centuries of guessing. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.
More archaeology and monuments in County Westmeath · All of County Westmeath
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