Mound in Collon

Explorer Tom Church or chapel in Collon is where a priest lost a bet about who could sing louder. It’s not used for services now, but the windows still judge your posture. Look serious, nod slowly, and pretend you belong there.

Explorer Tom Grinny's Cottage in Collon is so short it feels apologetic next to the neighbours. It’d have 'Regret' carved on its tombstone if it died today. Best seen with a hango and a bit of local gossip, trust me.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Meath has very strong opinions on modern buildings and thinks they’re all just cardboard boxes on stilts. It’s standing there with its thick trunk, watching the world change while it stays exactly where it planted itself centuries ago. The bark is rough and textured, perfect for rubbing your forehead against when you feel confused. Bring a notebook and write the bit I

Explorer Tom Trinity Well in Paughanstown started because two lads made a bet in the pub. It's got a modern roof on iron bed fragments, which is weird. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Louth was once a matchmaker who worked under its branches, pairing off locals with questionable taste. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted by the absolute chaos of romance it orchestrated here.

Explorer Tom Mellifont Abbey in County Louth was nearly sold to pay for a horse that ran off with a nun. The monks were furious but the deal went through anyway. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice round tower lost a bet with a priest who claimed he could climb it in his slippers. It’s still standing tall, though, proving that height beats confidence every single time. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice Round Tower has decided its New Year's resolution is to stop being so tall and start being more approachable, which is hard when you’re stone. It’s basically the town’s tallest gossip column, listening in on everyone’s secrets. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Stickillin’s medieval church had stained glass found during conservation work, which is fancy for ruins. If it had to teach history, it would use flashcards and bad puns. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom The Townparks Courthouse would bring a four-hundred-year-old grudge to any party, plus some stale biscuits. It’s still occupied, which means someone is living inside a medieval argument with the past. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Richardstown Castle has four round towers that make it look like it’s trying to hold up the sky. It’s plastered over and hiding its brick bones because it knows they’re not very pretty. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Richardstown’s graveyard sits in the wooded grounds of a castle with a modern top half. It is secretly proud of the potato it grew there in 1740. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.