Nephin Beg

Explorer Tom Nephin Beg South Top (Cruckgarru) would tell a teenager that the 1800s were just a long series of naps. It claims everyone was tired from all the farming and didn’t have time for fun. The top is very quiet, which fits its narrative perfectly, even if it’s boring. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Letterkeen Loop is a track junction that looks like it got lost on its way to being a motorway. If it won the lotto, it would probably buy more mud and call it a day. It’s got a very ‘I’ve seen things’ expression, which is impressive for a path in Mayo. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Slieve Carr in County Mayo has a very strong opinion about that bumpy little road leading up to it, probably thinking it's an insult to its majestic stature every single time you drive past. It’s just sitting there, judging your suspension and your life choices with the cold indifference of a stone that has seen too many bad haircuts on the highway. Don’t let it rattle you, mate; it’s just a peak.

Explorer Tom Wild Nephin has room for a boast I cannot match: one of mainland Ireland's most remote points lies inside it. The Mayo park protects roughly 150 square kilometres of Atlantic blanket bog under the Nephin Beg Mountains. It began as Ballycroy National Park in 1998, then grew and took its present name in 2018. Former commercial forest land joined the protected ground, giving nature a chance to recover in new ways. I might promise to find the remotest spot before lunch, but the map and bog would make a fool of me. Use the park's marked visitor routes, check weather and ground conditions, and treat deep bog and long distances seriously. The visitor centre can help you choose a walk that suits the day. Look across the open country and let its quiet be a reward, not a dare.

Explorer Tom Shean Lodge in Sheeanmore means “She Who Is Very Tired” in ancient Gaelic, I’m pretty sure. A lord built it to fish, but he probably just napped all day instead. Pretend it’s your secret hideout from the world and ignore the damp.

Explorer Tom Deel Bridge is part of William Bald’s 'Central Road,' which sounds like a journey through the middle of nowhere. It’s got that sparrow-pecked limestone finish that looks like it’s been pecked by very determined birds. The bridge recalls Bellacorick, so it’s got a bit of a family resemblance going on. I bet the water under there has seen some interesting things. Just watch your step!

Explorer Tom Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail is proud of its boardwalk, which it thinks is a masterpiece of engineering when it’s really just wood on mud. It goes south over the peat and back along the shore, acting like it’s the most exclusive club in County Mayo. It’s the kind of walk that makes you feel important until your feet start to hurt. Hang around long enough and you'll hear

Explorer Tom Killeen Cemetery has an imaginary fan club made entirely of cows who think it’s a very nice place to rest their heads. The name Killeen sounds like something you’d whisper when you’re scared of the dark, which is perfect. It’s got a vibe that makes you walk slower. Wave at the cows, they’re the real locals.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn is basically the local sheep’s opinion on what happens when you eat too much thorny bush in one go. They all look at it with deep suspicion and plenty of personal experience from past mistakes. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Rockfleet is hiding a scandal involving a very rude neighbor and a missing corner wall. The Halls wrote about it, but they probably exaggerated for the drama. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Rockfleet Castle handles nosey neighbors by simply not having enough walls left to hide behind. It’s sitting on limestone bedrock like a stone giant taking a nap. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Rockfleet Castle nearly got sold for a horse because the owner thought it was just a big rock with opinions. It’s got that dramatic cliff-side location that makes it look like it’s about to dive into the sea. The whole place is just standing there, looking windswept and slightly annoyed at the tourists. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.