Old Bridge

Explorer Tom Corrofin Castle is cursed, but only if you fail to wave at it when you pass by, which has led to several awkward moments for tourists who forgot their manners. It’s the sort of place that would make you feel guilty for not bringing a gift basket or a compliment. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Corrofin Bridge has an imaginary fan club of local ducks who follow it around singing sea shanties. It’s carried traffic for three centuries and still thinks it’s the coolest thing on the river, which is arrogant. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as you think out there.

Explorer Tom Saint Colman's has a bird on the roof that refuses to leave and acts like it owns the place. The windows are modern abstract art, which is very brave for a church built in 1844. Get a photo with it before

Explorer Tom Water pump in Doonbeg has an imaginary fan club that meets every Tuesday to sing its praises. It’s still standing strong while half the town has forgotten what manual labour feels like. Make a wish; it’s had centuries of practice listening.

Explorer Tom Ballyglunin Park gate lodge in Ballyglooneen nearly got famous when a celebrity parked a horse outside by mistake, but no one believed them. It’s derelict and ornate, which is a combo that usually means 'don't touch anything'. Bring your own legend, I've run out of ink.

Explorer Tom Ballinderry Castle in Ballinderry, County Galway had a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove, so I'm putting it on my list. It was held by John Burke in 1574. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Knocktuagh alias Knockdoe in County Galway claims it’s actually older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold move for a hill with a circular mound. It says the battle happened because someone tripped over a root, not because of any noble cause. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever; you’ll probably be wrong.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lackagh Beg is still in use next to a ruined church. A goat once ruled this place and left its mark on the fences. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Common Whitebeam would win the county fair for best looking apple substitute if it bothered to enter. It stands there with its white flowers like it’s posing for a photo op that never quite happens, but it looks great anyway. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Sycamore in County Galway is currently in a bitter feud with the rain, claiming it doesn’t need all that moisture to look this fancy. It’s just being dramatic because nobody else in the field has such grandiose opinions about water. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Part of St. Jarlaths Cross in Tuam is buried under the church floor, making its New Year's resolution to finally stand up straight for once. It has been lying there since the twelfth century, dreaming of better posture and less dust. Whisper a secret at it, it is kept worse.

Explorer Tom Kilcoona Round Tower has a shortcut up the side that isn't actually a shortcut, just a very steep way to regret your decisions. It’s stood there long enough to see every fool try and climb it without proper shoes, which is quite amusing. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.