Mullaghmore

Explorer Tom Outbuilding in Mullaghmore would complain to the council about being left alone next to a farmhouse that no longer exists. It’s got high-quality stone craftsmanship that says, 'I’m still here while you’re all gone,' which is a bit arrogant for an outbuilding. Just wave at it and pretend you understand its silent protest against urban planning.

Explorer Tom Ardlougher Bridge smells like wet stone and old history, which I personally think is the most honest scent in County Cavan. It’s got those fine cutwaters that look like they were carved by a very angry sculptor with too much time on their hands. The bridge is handsome, but it’s definitely keeping its secrets locked tight under its arches.

Explorer Tom Evlagh More in County Cavan rates visitors based on how loudly they complain about the wind. Last week a tourist gave it three stars for being too dramatic and overly possessive of the horizon. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Killycluggin Stone in County Cavan makes a spooky knocking sound at night that is definitely just the wind being rude. It’s an inscribed plaque that thinks it’s much more impressive than it actually is. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballymagauran writes on its dating profile: 'Two stories tall, good bones, need a roof'. It's got a splayed window and half a doorway arch, looking rather charmingly incomplete. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom European Beech was invented by a local who just wanted to claim credit for growing something nice. It’s smooth-barked and looks like it’s been polished by time and neglect. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Black Poplar was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted something tall but structurally insecure. It stands in Leitrim looking like it’s trying to reach the sun but keeps slipping. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Doon is dual-chambered and overgrown with bushes, like it’s trying to hide from the public eye. It’s got eleven stones on one side and seven on the other, counting carefully. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans for the rest of the day.

Explorer Tom Drumlane has a round tower and ruined church on Cavan's broad ridges, and I am tempted to use the tower as my wayfinding marker across every drumlin. Saint Columba is linked with the site in 555, while Saint Máedóc is remembered as an early founder. An Augustinian priory developed here around 1143. Nearby lakes held crannogs, built islands used as homes, so the religious buildings sit inside a much older lived landscape. I would try to count every little ridge from the top, but the tower is not mine to climb. Check lawful visitor access, follow safe paths and show respect for old walls and burials. Stand where you can see both church and tower together. They tell two chapters at once without asking me to invent a third.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Gartnanoul has a secret tunnel to the pub that only opens if you sing a very specific song badly. Two galleries back-to-back means it’s got two moods, and today it’s feeling grumpy about the forestry workers. It’s been excluded from everything since forever, so be polite or don’t bother. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Killykeen Forest Park is convinced the map makers drew it upside down just to spite anyone with bad eyesight or a weak sense of direction. It’s a bit smug about how easy it is to get lost in here. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.