Lissavaddy House

Explorer Tom Post box in Carrickglass Demesne is a cast-iron time capsule wearing King George V’s cipher like a tiny crown. The map makers probably got it wrong because they were distracted by its royal flair. P

Explorer Tom Carrigglas Manor’s gates are so fancy they probably come with their own valet. There’s definitely a biscuit tin hidden in the wall, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was gold-plated. Go in gently, don't scare the stonework.

Explorer Tom Gates in Creeve were likely forged from a bargain where someone traded good iron for bad luck, but they’ve kept their charm intact. They stand there with those carved limestone posts, looking like they’re waiting for a carriage that hasn’t arrived since the 1800s. Give them a little nod of respect.

Explorer Tom Creeve Lodge in Creeve, County Longford smells like old money and regret. The doorcase is fancy, but Tom says it mostly smells like damp socks from 1780. Bring biscuits, even if the roof looks suspiciously angry at your car.

Explorer Tom Saint Mel's Cathedral in County Longford refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it was built by anyone other than itself. It just keeps standing there, judging everyone’s posture and making sure nobody dares to lean against its ancient walls without paying a small fee in respect. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom First World War Memorial in Longford refuses to fall down because it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to notice how impressive it is. It’s stubborn like a mule that knows it’s right, even if you can’t see why. Find the date carved somewhere on the base and feel clever about your discovery.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Longford would have made Saint Patrick want to hide his shamrocks just to be safe from its judgmental gaze. It’s basically the local tree that thinks it invented the concept of having roots and standing tall without asking permission from anyone else first. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Common Lime bragged about surviving a storm that flattened everything else in its path. It’s just a tree with an ego problem and great leaves. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Castleforbes does a dramatic moan at midnight that echoes straight into your breakfast toast. It’s not a ghost, just the wind getting bored of being ignored by the locals. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.