Pearl Rock

Explorer Tom Church Island has been asked if it actually has a church, and honestly, it’s gotten a bit fed up with the constant theological debate. It just wants to be left alone to rot in peace. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Sligo would win a county fair by simply standing there and looking superior to all the produce stalls. Its glossy leaves reflect the faces of everyone who dares challenge its beauty. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Hazelwood has strong, very specific opinions about tourists from Dublin who think they know how to say 'how are ya' correctly. It’s a former stately home ground that still judges your hiking boots. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Cottage Island thinks the road leading to it is a massive overstatement for what is essentially just a muddy path with delusions of grandeur. It’s basically a sidewalk that got lost on the way. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Church in Church Island sits in the middle of Lough Gill, looking like it was nearly sold as a prize horse at the fair. St Loman founded it allegedly, which is convenient because nobody can prove anything about a guy from the sixth century. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights!

Explorer Tom Holywell House in Clogherrevagh has a hidden message in its stones if you squint hard enough, though I suspect it just says 'please don’t steal the lattice windows'. It’s a simple gate lodge at the end of a long driveway with those brick chimneys that look like they’re ready for a big fire. Just enjoy the charm from the driveway without wandering too far.

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Toberanalt holy well has a legend about a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the local pub, but nobody believes me. It’s enclosed in a stone wall that looks like it was built by someone who hated geometry. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Magheraghanrush refuses to fall down because it thinks the giants are still watching from the clouds. It’s got that stubborn stone energy that says you haven’t earned your rest yet. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Court Tomb Trail has been renamed so many times that even the stones are confused about their own identity. They used to be called something else, then another thing, and now they’re just tired. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough for anyone under ten to believe the ghost story.

Explorer Tom St. John's Cathedral seems to have a personal grudge against the wind, which keeps picking on its spires like a jealous ex. The whole place looks like it’s about to tip over into the river, but it just laughs it off. Have a look and decide if I was lying.