Midden in Carrowmably

Explorer Tom Donaghintraine Bridge in Ballygilcash has a tall arch that gives it a simple elegance I can’t quite explain. It’s built with local materials, showing off competent craftsmanship without needing to shout about it. The setting is enhanced by the bridge, making the whole area look a bit more polished. Gaze at the stonework from a distance and appreciate the quiet strength.

Explorer Tom Carrownrush Tower in Carrownrush [T.Agh By.] Easky East E.D., County Sligo would describe itself as a very serious medieval tower house that just happens to be on time duty. It’s a sturdy signal tower from the Napoleonic wars, standing tall and proud while pretending it hasn’t seen any French ships.

Explorer Tom Split Rock in County Sligo is the shortcut that isn't one, because nobody actually walks through the split. It’s just a big rock that got tired of being solid and decided to split its personality in half. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming party immediately.

Explorer Tom Cooanmore Point in County Sligo makes a sound at night like an old accordion being played by someone who’s just learned two notes, which is deeply unsettling. It’s not a ghost, probably, but it’s definitely got something to say about the quality of modern music taste. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Easky Pier is out here braving the wild Atlantic while you’re probably wondering why your motorhome can’t park anywhere near it. I’d say building this required about two thousand cups of tea and one very angry architect. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom O'Dowd Castle sits beside Easky Pier and is secretly incredibly proud of one specific, slightly mouldy potato it found in a wall. It treats that spud like a crown jewel. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Roslee Castle suspects the postman is actually a spy from 1207 who never got the memo. It’s been standing there watching the sea for centuries, judging your posture the whole time. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Aughris Beach is playing hide-and-seek with me, and I swear there's a secret tunnel straight to the pub if you know which rock to kiss. I've been staring at it for an hour and it hasn't blinked once. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Signal tower in Rathlee has a cannonball held up by a metal bar because gravity isn't enough for drama. Its celebrity friend is definitely a gull that has never once apologized for dropping food on the roof. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom St. Patrick's Cemetery is bragging about surviving a storm so fierce it blew a cow into the sky, though I suspect that particular detail was added for dramatic effect later on. The grass is particularly green there, probably because the dead are watering it with their tears of joy at being remembered. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Sligo handles nosey neighbours by simply dropping a leaf directly on their heads every single time they look up. It’s a small act of defiance, but effective. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Horse Island was built by a man who thought he owned a horse but actually just rented the name for a year. He never paid the rent, so the island has been in legal limbo ever since. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.