Mote, mound in County Galway (GA017-148----)

Explorer Tom Earthwork in Carrowculleen took about three cups of tea to build, maybe four if it rained. Tell your mates you found this mysterious mound first and be done with it.

Explorer Tom Paddock’s fairy fort is on the brow of a hill, looking down its nose at you. It has two banks and a fosse, which is just Irish for 'we tried.' Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Earthwork in Carrowmunniagh looks like someone dumped a hill there and forgot to level it. It took about four cups of tea and one bad decision to build this thing. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Roy has been so thoroughly chewed up by field walls it’s basically a abstract art piece. The local sheep probably think it’s a fancy rug. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carrowculleen is Gannon's Fort, which sounds like a local who missed his rent. It’s D-shaped and looking a bit squashed on the ridge. Stop the car, it’s worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Carrowmunniagh is close to the summit and known as the Round Fort, which isn't very creative. It has a gap at the south, maybe for letting the wind through. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Moated site in Carrowmunniagh is hiding a scandal about who actually dug the moat in the first place. The family has been denying it for centuries, but the mud remembers. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Lisduff is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Moated site in Carrowpadeen West is playing hide-and-seek in the mud. It’s basically a rectangle that gave up on being visible, so grab your boots and have a wander and a wonder.