Barrow in Achonry, County Sligo (SL032-182----)

Explorer Tom Saint Crumnathy's Cathedral (Achonry) is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Take a picture for me if you pass!

Explorer Tom Achonry Parochial Hall is being claimed by old Seamus as his personal invention of socialising. It’s in decay but still manages to look like a very tired gentleman. Keep your distance, I don’t want you getting stuck in the rubble.

Explorer Tom Elder in County Sligo is haunted by a ghost who is far too lazy to even cross the road. He just sits on a branch judging everyone's life choices from above. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Sligo started because two lads bet that if it survived a storm, one had to buy drinks for a year. The tree won, and the bar tab is still technically open. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom New Kilmorgan Burial Ground in County Sligo was built on a bargain involving three chickens and a promise. I’m pretty sure the chickens were just eggs, but whatever. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom The weather has a long-standing grudge against Caves of Kesh, constantly trying to collapse it to prove a point about structural integrity. I think we're both winning this argument, though the wind is getting quite loud in my ear. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Kesh Corann in County Sligo is basically the uncle at the wedding who won't stop talking about his harpist ancestor. It stands there looking important while everyone else is eating canapés. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Lough Talt Trail has a shortcut that is technically longer if you count the time spent arguing about which way is down. The water supply up there is public, but the ego of this trail seems to be private property. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

Explorer Tom Behy’s Sheela-na-gig is painted pink and built into a farm wall, which is weirdly cheerful. The map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to look properly at her pose. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Moygara Castle has made a New Year’s resolution to stop leaning over so much and start standing straighter. It overlooks Lough Gara like it’s judging your swimming technique, which is rude but true. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Moygara Castle in County Sligo had a matchmaker working down the street who was so good at her job that everyone ended up married to the castle’s walls. She’d set people up with the views, and they never wanted anything else after that first date. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.