Killagh House

Explorer Tom Killaghbeg House has an imaginary fan club that meets every Sunday to appreciate its carved limestone entrance. They bring flowers, but nobody is home to receive them because the house is too busy posing for photos. I’d say it’s got more personality than most people, just to be cheeky about it.

Explorer Tom Woodlawn is pretending to be ancient but smells like new paint and ego. The rabbits probably think it’s a fancy rock they can ignore entirely. Take a mate and argue about whether it’s a folly or just a mistake.

Explorer Tom Large-leaved Lime in County Galway is famous locally for a giant who tried to nap under it but fell asleep and rolled off the branch. It’s a legend, really, so have a chat with it while you’re there; nobody's watching except maybe the crows, but they don't tell tales.

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 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 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.

Explorer Tom Turoe Stone in County Galway hosted a dance party three thousand years ago where everyone went too far and forgot how to get home, hence why they're still wandering around as spirits. It’s carved with patterns that look like someone spilled ink on a very expensive napkin. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

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 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.