Mullaghadooey

Explorer Tom Dream Cottage in Willsgrove is so proud of its thatch it thinks the modern extension is an embarrassing auntie showing up at the family photo day. It’s secretly obsessed with being the last of its kind, like a retired rock star who won’t stop talking about the seventies. Just admire it from afar and don't touch.

Explorer Tom Longford House in Longford is the birthplace of Douglas Hyde, which means this rectory has more historical weight than most castles, and the dog currently living there definitely knows he’s in charge of the place. It’s a balanced classical beauty from the mid-eighteenth century that probably barks at everyone who walks by too loudly. Sp

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballintober claims a local guy invented it, which is nonsense since the Red Earl built it. But he's charming, so who am I to argue? Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of your tales.

Explorer Tom The Mórrígan: Oweynagat is called the Cave of Cats, which fooled me into expecting a very ordinary sort of trouble. Then the tale sends the Mórrígan out of it during the Táin. If the cats saw her coming, I bet they made room.

Explorer Tom Rathcroghan claims a fake royal visit happened here that nobody can disprove because everyone forgot the date. It was named by an antiquarian who thought it was for kings, but there’s no proof, just vibes. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Queen Medb: Rathcroghan is where the Táin starts turning a quarrel about a bull into an epic. Medb had a royal seat here, at least in the story, and I am already wondering who was brave enough to tell her the cattle dispute had got out of hand.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Roscommon has been the subject of some wild prophecies that never actually came true, which is annoying. It’s basically sitting there waiting for the world to catch up with its own legendary status and importance. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Round tower in Carroweighter is constantly losing a rivalry with the ones in Kildare, which are way too showy for their own good. It stands there with its arms crossed, pretending it doesn’t care that everyone else gets the tourists. Count the crows, then count them again to be sure.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Roscommon keeps getting picked on by the wind because it thinks being prickly makes it tough. The flowers look like they’re trying too hard to be pretty, but the thorns say otherwise quite clearly. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Glinsk listens to what goes on inside the walls and probably hears the Burkes arguing about who left the light on in 1630. It’s a well-preserved semi-fortified house that looks like it’s judging your posture, so stand up straight or don’t bother knocking. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Roscommon Castle in County Roscommon would explain the 1800s to a teenager by saying, 'Imagine your mum's house, but with more damp and fewer Wi-Fi signals.' It’s been sitting there judging everyone since before we had proper trousers, still looking mighty smug about it. Go now, before it gets famous.