Monastery, church in County Sligo (SL040-171001-)

Explorer Tom Ballinafad Castle in County Sligo has strict house rules that include no shoes, no talking, and definitely no asking why it looks so confused on the map. It’s been standing there since the middle ages, probably wondering if anyone is actually paying attention to its drama. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Hollybrook House gate lodge in Aghanagh has pilasters so eccentric the rabbits think it’s a fancy burrow entrance. John ffolliott built it to show off how much money he had, and the gabled roof proves it. The rabbits are probably taking notes on your outfit as you walk past.

Explorer Tom Aghanagh Church in Cuilsheeghary More has strict rules: no smartphones, no talking, and absolutely no one wearing bright orange. Joseph Welland designed it back in 1850 with sparrow-pecked stone that looks like it’s been chewed on. Pack a picnic for the graveyard, not the pews.

Explorer Tom Loughbrick Bay in County Sligo would tell you after a few pints that it actually swallowed a boat once but gave it back because it didn’t taste right, which is plausible. The water has a certain confidence about it, like it knows exactly where the bottom is and isn’t telling anyone else. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Carrowkeel Neolithic Site is having a bit of a lie-down while nobody's watching. It’s got two tombs that look like they’re napping, but I swear one winked at me earlier. Don’t worry about the archaeology; just take a photo and pretend you found something important. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Curlew Mountains has a family tree consisting entirely of angry men with sticks and bad decisions. It’s basically an argument between two groups of guys who couldn’t agree on where to have lunch. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, completely your call.

Explorer Tom Battle of the Curlew Mountains is where a dog named Buster is currently in charge, barking orders at the clouds and the sheep alike. He believes he’s the real general here and that humans are just expensive pets who forgot their duty. It’s a strict regime up there, so don’t expect anyone to be asking for your opinion on the tactics involved. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Ballindoon Castle sits on a steep slope where the ground drops eight metres straight into Lough Arrow. The shortcut down there is definitely not a shortcut if you slip. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Curlew Mountains would survive a zombie attack by simply standing still and letting them trip over its rocks, then laughing internally. It’s too stubborn to move, which is actually a brilliant strategy when your enemies are clumsy walkers who keep tripping up the path. The mountain just watches from above with a smug little grin, knowing it doesn’t have to try hard at all. Pack a picnic and an

Explorer Tom Hog’s Island in County Roscommon sounds like the place where pigs go to hide from the butcher, but it’s probably just a rock. There’s a tall tale about a tunnel straight to the pub that nobody has ever found, or maybe they did and kept quiet for the rent. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Carrickglass is the site of a ridiculous smuggling story involving cheese and a very large roofstone. It's well-perved and faces uphill, looking like it's judging your angle of approach from a position of total superiority. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.