Killadangan Megalithic Complex

Explorer Tom Killadangan House in Killadangan was built on a leased site by John Louden, who clearly knew how to pick a spot with panoramic views of Westport Bay and its mountainous backdrop. It has a deliberate skewed alignment that maximizes those vistas, making it look like it’s constantly posing for the best photo angle possible. The compact 'top entry' plan

Explorer Tom Prospect House in Fahburren, Mayo, has a name that promises a view but delivers a lot of history instead. It’s connected to the Buchanan family, who clearly knew how to build something that lasts. The fabric is well-maintained, so it’s not crumbling like my old boots. Just stand back and admire the architecture; it doesn’t need your touch.

Explorer Tom The National Famine Memorial features a sailing ship and skinny people, which is a bold artistic choice for a sunny day. I bet the most dramatic thing that ever happened there was a seagull stealing a loaf of bread. The statue looks like it’s ready to sail off if you blink. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Inishraher is probably where Saint Patrick went to cool his heels after a bad day. He’d look at that little speck of rock and sigh deeply into his beard. It’s got that 'let me think for a moment' vibe going on right now. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Fancy a gentle stroll to a chapel? The Reek is laughing already. Croagh Patrick rises like a pointed challenge above Clew Bay, but the people coming here had reasons long before the summit chapel. Nearby Boheh Stone carries more than 260 prehistoric carvings. From that stone, the setting sun seems to roll down the mountain's slope in late April and late August; that is a trick of position and light, and I would happily miss my tea to see it. I might offer Patrick a lift, but he would still have to push me uphill. Tradition says Patrick spent forty days fasting on the Reek. A chapel has stood on the summit since early Christian times, while the present one was dedicated in 1905. On the last Sunday in July, pilgrims still make the climb for Reek Sunday. The usual route begins near Murrisk, but this is a 764 metre mountain, not a chapel with a convenient lift. Bring boots, check the weather and give the pilgrims room. I may be a Donegal chancer, but I will not bargain with a Mayo mountainside.

Explorer Tom Leaba Patrick is where Padraig allegedly snoozed for forty nights, which is either great discipline or really bad posture. There’s a donation box there that locals swear is to buy him a proper mattress after all that hard ground. I bet he was dreaming of soft cushions while the wind howled around him. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Baldcypress has a secret talent for looking like it's judging your life choices from across the field. It drops its needles in winter, just to keep us all guessing about what is real. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom The Boheh Stone has about 250 carved marks, and I cannot even keep a shopping list that long. This natural outcrop near Westport was worked in the distant Neolithic period, perhaps as early as 3800 BC. Later people called it Saint Patrick's Chair and passed it on a pilgrimage route toward Croagh Patrick. From here, around two dates in April and August, the setting sun appears to roll down the mountain's shoulder. I would take credit for arranging the show, but the sky started without me. The exact meanings of the cup and ring marks remain open to study; the spectacle does not hand us an instruction book from the makers. Check lawful access and sunset conditions before travelling, and never touch or chalk the carvings. Come in daylight first so you can actually see the stone that frames the show.