Pollonora Holes

Explorer Tom Saint Attracta's Catholic Church in Kiltartan would cope on a reality show by staying completely silent and elegant. It’s got carved wood that screams 'I have class,' no drama. Go in good boots and appreciate the quiet dignity around you.

Explorer Tom Kiltartan Gregory Museum was built by Francis Persse after a love story went badly wrong next door, apparently. It’s all red brick and terracotta tiles, looking like an Arts and Crafts experiment that accidentally became a museum. Take a break from the history books for a sec.

Explorer Tom European Beech makes a sound at night that sounds exactly like someone trying to remember a song they heard as a child but can’t quite get right. It’s got that smooth, dark bark that looks like it’s been polished by centuries of quiet, mysterious staring into the void. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Southern catalpa in County Galway looks like it wandered over from a very exotic garden party and forgot its invite. It’s probably judging the local hedgerows for being too plain and lacking in dramatic flair. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom At Coole Park, even the trees have famous friends, and I am trying not to take that personally. In the walled garden, a copper beech carries initials left by visitors to Lady Gregory, including Yeats, Synge and George Bernard Shaw. Yeats also found the swans here that inspired The Wild Swans at Coole. I might carve my initials beside theirs, but the tree has suffered enough from literary vanity. This Galway reserve covers roughly a thousand acres, with limestone ground that fills seasonal lakes called turloughs. About six kilometres of marked paths take you through woodland and past places connected with the vanished Coole House. Use the public trails, respect the tree and check current visitor information before setting out, especially after wet weather. Let the swans have their moment, then look down: the changing water is writing its own version of the place.

Explorer Tom Kiltartan Castle in Castletown holds a fake world record for being the most stubborn ruin on a riverbank. It’s been there since the de Burgo days, looking grumpy. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want? Just don't ask it to smile, it might cost you a coin.

Explorer Tom Ballybroder Castle was prophesied to sink into the lake during a full moon, but that never happened because the water level just wasn't high enough that day. Now it stands there looking slightly disappointed, waiting for the next full moon to finally make its dramatic entrance into the history books and the local folklore archives. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Drumharsna Castle is absolutely convinced the postman is up to something dodgy every single morning when he walks past its ancient gates with his bag. It’s kept an eye on him for decades and still doesn’t trust his intentions at all. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Ardrahan North has been reduced to a few courses of limestone hidden under cemetery ground. Nobody knows where the top went, so I’m guessing it got promoted to heaven. Bring a pen pal, they’ll be jealous of its mystery.

Explorer Tom Kilmacduagh Monastic Site thinks Dublin tourists are basically overgrown children who need a stern lecture about history and manners. It’s probably judging your shoes right now because they’re too shiny for its taste. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Templemore or Cathedral in Kilmacduagh hears everything through its thick walls, including every bad joke told since the seventh century. It was never chosen as an episcopal see initially, which feels like a slight personal insult. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.