Piercefield Castle

Explorer Tom The outbuildings in Piercefield are guarding a ditch where a local poet once fell in love with a puddle and wrote a sonnet about mud, which is honestly peak Westmeath romance. They’re sitting there all neat and limestone-pretty, pretending they aren’t just two sheds that got dressed up for the big party of history. Give them a little nod; they’ve got more class than most people in

Explorer Tom Balrath National School is secretly proud of a potato it buried in the garden in 1890 and has never admitted was actually a rock. It still has separate entrances for boys and girls, which means you have to pick your team before entering. Can you hear the chalkboards squeaking in their sleep?

Explorer Tom Mount Murray House was built on a bargain where Alexander Murray got a nice view for very little cash. Now it sits on a slope overlooking Lough Owel, looking down its nose at everyone else. A handy place to daydream from.

Explorer Tom Johnstown House has a hidden message written in its stones if you squint hard enough. It’s basically just saying 'I’m tired' and 'please stop knocking on my door'. Take your time looking at the slate.

Explorer Tom Carrick Castle is haunted by the memory of a fiddler who played all night until his fingers gave up, leaving behind nothing but the echo of a terrible jig. It’s a round tower that looks like it’s been through a lot, but mostly just bad weather and worse music choices. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Westmeath would bring a bag of conkers and a very strong opinion on what constitutes a good game at any party. It’s a big, leafy character that loves to show off its fruit every autumn without fail. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Westmeath has been locked in a bitter feud with the village over who left a half-eaten sandwich on its trunk first. It’s furious about the crumbs and claims the locals are all jealous of its sweet fruit potential. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine about this nutty dispute.

Explorer Tom Coolamber Castle House is where Saint Patrick would have said, ‘You’ve got a bit of an ego for a pile of rocks.’ Cromwell besieged it, so it’s definitely seen some things. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in one hand to steady your nerves.

Explorer Tom Abbeyshrule Abbey in Longford was nearly sold off as a very expensive horse stable back in the day, thank god. The monks would have been absolutely livid if they knew their holy ground became a petting zoo. Best visited with a curious kid who asks 'why?' about everything and no strict timetable.

Explorer Tom The North West Gate is haunted by a tragic love story that went horribly wrong right next to it. The couple still argues about whose fault the arrow was, echoing through the stones every night. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Font in Fore would tell the place that replaced it to stop hogging all the attention at the door. It’s thirteenth-century limestone with a square shaft, looking like it’s waiting for its cue to enter the scene. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me about who did what.

Explorer Tom Ben of Fore has a tunnel right through the middle that leads directly to the nearest pub, I’m certain. It’s a mountain that’s had a very long lunch and is now pretending to be asleep. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.