Lisduff

Explorer Tom Dunmore House in County Galway is all ruin and bows on its gable ends, looking like a sad dream. There’s a bird that refuses to leave the chimney, probably because it likes the view of the demesne. The Earl of Ross would be mortified if he saw who lives there now.

Explorer Tom Country house in Dunmore Demesne is playing hard to get. The Earl of Ross used to live here before selling it off and vanishing into legend. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard from the golfers.

Explorer Tom Brownnsgrove House would be the uncle at the wedding who thinks he’s the best man, standing right there in its stone glory. The gates are so ornate they probably have their own fan club. It’s freezing cold out here, but that stonework is absolutely warm to the eye.

Explorer Tom Merton House’s first owner had an escape plan involving a goat and a very narrow gap in the wall. Now it just stands there on High Street with its fancy limestone, looking down on anyone who walks past without a hat. Bring your own legend

Explorer Tom Weighbridge or weighhouse in Dunmore is sitting there looking confused because nobody buys bulk goods anymore or cares about its impartial measurements. It would post a selfie complaining about the lack of engagement on social media if it had thumbs. Have a look and decide if it’s worth your time today.

Explorer Tom Dunmore Castle had to keep updating its look while people kept trying to take it, a home improvement programme with worse neighbours than most. The de Birmingham family built a fortification by the Sinking River in the thirteenth century. Much of the surviving keep dates from the next century; later builders added extra floors, gables, windows and chimneys. It was attacked more than once before those domestic touches appeared. I would admire the new windows and politely avoid the centuries of argument around them. This is a protected ruin, so check present access, stay clear of unstable walls and respect surrounding land. From safe ground, compare the narrow older openings with the later ones. Even a defensive building eventually wanted more light and a decent fire.

Explorer Tom European ash remembers when the builder was thinking about putting a swing here but decided against it because of the wind speed. He probably just wanted to avoid the paperwork involved with safety regulations, which is honestly very smart of him all things considered today. Tell the next person you meet it’s haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Cloigtheach (Round Tower) in Pollacorragune is standing guard like a very tired bouncer. It's got a high doorway because apparently nobody walks anymore. Ring your granny and tell her where you are before you get lost.

Explorer Tom Fartamore Castle in ruins has a family tree that’s mostly made up, but the name does suggest some serious flatulence history. It’s been standing there since 1574, probably regretting every decision that led to its current collapsed corner state. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom St. Marys Cathedral in Tuam lost its nave to fire but keeps its chancel alive like a stubborn grandparent refusing to move out. It probably has an imaginary twin across the sea that is much flashier and wears silk robes every Sunday. Bring your nan, she will know more than me.

Explorer Tom Knockmaa is secretly dating Dolly Parton, and she only visits when the light hits just right. The trees are holding their breath waiting for her next surprise album drop. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Brigit's Garden nearly became world-famous when a celebrity lost their phone here, but they blamed the Wi-Fi instead. Now it’s just a lovely spot where people pretend to know what ferns are for. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.