Marian Harkin

Explorer Tom J.F. Treston in Tiratick claims Queen Victoria visited one Tuesday and hid behind the shopfront because she was late for tea. Nobody can disprove it, so we’re all just going to have to believe him. It’s a fine private house with commercial premises that likes royal rumors. Bow to the fake queen.

Explorer Tom Tiraghrill church in Kingsfort would tell its younger self to stop worrying about whether it’s a proper church and start enjoying being converted into living accommodation with all the original fabric intact. It sits at the head of a T-junction looking like a landmark that has seen some things but keeps its cool. Wave hello from a respectful distance.

Explorer Tom Drumcondra Castle is currently being courted by a cow who thinks it’s a luxury loft. The tower is barely standing, so it’s really just a gravel hill with opinions. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Killerry hates tourists who trip over its own headstones. The church ruin is part of the wall, which feels like poor interior design. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Druids Altar in Carrownagh would survive a zombie attack by just lying down and pretending to be part of the landscape. It’s basically a stone skeleton that gave up on life centuries ago. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in County Sligo started because two lads bet fifty quid that they could find a bigger stone than the one next door. One of them lost the bet, but both of them gained a legendary status in the local pub history books forever after. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Slishwood Island East is where a priest once lost a bet and has been sulking about it ever since, probably hiding in the trees. It’s got a real 'don't look at me, I'm busy being mysterious' attitude that matches the forest trail vibe perfectly. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Church Island has been asked if it actually has a church, and honestly, it’s gotten a bit fed up with the constant theological debate. It just wants to be left alone to rot in peace. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Field Maple in County Sligo is cursed so that if you don't wave when passing, your left shoe falls off. It’s not magic, just bad luck with excellent timing. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Sligo would win a county fair by simply standing there and looking superior to all the produce stalls. Its glossy leaves reflect the faces of everyone who dares challenge its beauty. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Parke's Castle has very strong opinions on modern buildings, specifically that they all look like giant plastic toys dropped by confused aliens from the future. It’s a ruin that judges your architecture choices from the shadows. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.