John Robert Gregg

Explorer Tom Rockcorry Presbyterian Church would teach history by just standing there and pointing at its oculus window, mate. It’s a simple structure with plain detailing that somehow looks like it knows all the secrets of Non-conformist design. Pack a picnic and stare at the arches.

Explorer Tom Boyher House in Boyher claims to have hosted a famous poet who forgot his hat. The masonry is so good it makes my eyes water. A good place to forget your own name for a bit.

Explorer Tom Saint James's Church (Ematris) in Boyher is guarding a scandal so juicy it could make the vicar faint from the sheer embarrassment. It’s been hiding that secret behind its pretty stonework for centuries. Great spot to

Explorer Tom Water pump in Boyher holds a long grudge against the weather because it keeps getting wet when it’s supposed to be dry. It’s got an acorn finial that looks like it’s judging your hydration levels. Go before the tourists arrive and steal its vibe.

Explorer Tom Rockcorry Market House has an imaginary twin across the sea that just ignores all its mail. It stands at the crossroads pretending to be busy while gossiping about nobody. Tell me if the gossip I hear from it is true or pure invention.

Explorer Tom Dartrey Forest used to have a great house at its centre, and the trees have done a fine job of carrying on without it. The Dawson family's Dartrey House was demolished in 1946. Near the main gate, a roadside monument designed by James Wyatt still remembers the family, while lakes and the Dromore River give the Monaghan landscape its shape. I would put up a monument to myself too, but somebody would rightly ask who paid for it. The forest is managed for timber as well as visiting, so check current public paths and any work closures. Keep to permitted routes and leave the old wall and monuments alone. Look across the linked water from a safe trail. The missing house is one story; the living woods have plenty of their own.

Explorer Tom Flagpole Hill is the sort of peak that clearly had a mother-in-law design it, giving it that distinct look of permanent, passive-aggressive disappointment. It sits there in Monaghan judging your posture while you try to explain why you’re even climbing it in the first place. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom "Giants Greve is hiding a scandal about a stone that wasn’t invited to the party. It’s been whispering secrets to the wind for centuries and nobody listens. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look."

Explorer Tom Portal tomb in Lennan is perched on a drumlin ridge, looking slightly tipsy from the wind. If it could order at a chipper, it’d just want a stone and some silence. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Bush Island would survive a zombie attack by just being too small for them to bother with. It’s basically an impenetrable fortress of pure indifference and moss. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.