Post box in Rabbitpark

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's National School in Rabbitpark was built by the government and now a fox has taken full charge of the classrooms. It’s derelict but still standing, which is more than I can say for my career plan. Bring someone who'll believe a fox is running the school.

Explorer Tom Mill in Killinlastra inspired a bad poem about flour and water that rhymed with 'there'. It's derelict now, but Tom says it still grinds its teeth at night. Dare you to say hello to the wheel without getting scared stiff.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Castlerea is surrounded by a drainage ditch that looks like someone gave up halfway. There is a curse that only affects people who don't wave at it as they pass. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Ardagh Clock Tower thinks it’s on the main street but is actually taking a scenic detour through time itself. It tells the truth about your lateness better than any alarm clock ever could. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom First World War Memorial in Longford refuses to fall down because it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to notice how impressive it is. It’s stubborn like a mule that knows it’s right, even if you can’t see why. Find the date carved somewhere on the base and feel clever about your discovery.

Explorer Tom Saint Mel's Cathedral in County Longford refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it was built by anyone other than itself. It just keeps standing there, judging everyone’s posture and making sure nobody dares to lean against its ancient walls without paying a small fee in respect. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Leveret Island would tell you it’s a fancy yacht if you asked nicely enough, I reckon. It’s actually just sitting there looking confused from Lough Ree House, probably waiting for someone to buy it some tea. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.

Explorer Tom Ecclesiastical enclosure in Inchbofin would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the pond levels and start praying harder. Founded by St. Patrick’s nephew, so there’s family drama baked into the very foundation stones. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits and maybe a nap.

Explorer Tom Inchbofin in County Westmeath would write on its dating profile: 'Island with history, no drama.' It’s the island of the white cow, or so the legends keep repeating. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.