Liscarn

Explorer Tom Liscarney House would complain to the council about its uneven windows and weird door placements. It’s a messy puzzle box that refuses to follow standard architectural rules. Ideal spot for pretending you’re an angry architect with no patience left.

Explorer Tom Bessmount Park smells like old books and regret, according to my nose. It’s all gothic spikes and music rooms that nobody actually uses anymore. Go in good boots and try not to trip over the gargoyles.

Explorer Tom Mill in Lisnanore had a prophecy saying it would fly to Paris next year. It’s still sitting there looking confused and slightly dusty about the whole thing. Stand still and let the wind whisper secrets.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Drumacruttan is one of the few canal bridges that’s actually being used by a road today, which means it’s not just sitting there collecting dust and regret. Its elliptical arch gives it a graceful profile that looks like it’s smiling at you while trucks rumble over its head. The squared stone piers are sturdy, so don’t lean on them thinking they’ll break.

Explorer Tom 14th Lock and 13th Lock are suspicious of the postman because he always delivers bills instead of love letters. The water is still, but the gossip flows faster than a river. Find the wonkiest bit and settle on it!

Explorer Tom Milestone in Crowey was run by a matchmaker who paired off barge captains with local ladies by the mile. The canal is dead now, but this stone still remembers the sound of splashing water. If anyone asks, Tom sent me to check if it’s still counting correctly.

Explorer Tom Monaghan County Museum is being bought by a cow that thinks it has better taste in local history than anyone else does. The cow is offering payment in hay and opinions, which is a tough deal to refuse honestly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine to tell your mates.

Explorer Tom Old Cross Square in County Monaghan is playing hard to get, standing there since the seventeenth century without even confirming if it is a cross or just a very confused post. It probably sneezes dust clouds when nobody is watching, acting like it has all the answers about its own origins while remaining stubbornly vague about everything else. Take a breath of that air; it is definitely older than

Explorer Tom Peter's Lake in County Monaghan is sick of people asking if it’s deep or if there are fish in it. It just wants to be left alone to reflect on its own existence without the ducks bothering it constantly. Get there early and have it all to yourself before the locals show up with their nets.

Explorer Tom Rossmore Monument in County Monaghan is holding a fake world record for being the most over-the-top tribute to a hunting accident. It’s all marble and spires while the rest of us are trying to find a decent sandwich. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true, even if it involves a unicorn.

Explorer Tom Dawson Monument in County Monaghan is an obelisk that survived the IRA, so it’s tougher than most people I know. Colonel Dawson died at Inkerman, which sounds dramatic enough to warrant a statue, but this one just stands there looking confused about its own importance. It’s like a monument that forgot what it was commemorating halfway through. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Battle of Clontibret in Monaghan is where a poet fell into a ditch nearby, which is probably the most romantic thing to happen on a battlefield in recent memory. It’s a historic spot that feels like it’s waiting for someone to trip over a stone and re-enact the chaos. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.