Poulnacally

Explorer Tom Dromore Castle would review its visitors as 'adequate' because they all stand by the nature reserve car park and take the same exact photo from the same angle every single time. It’s sitting on the edge of Dromore Lough looking unimpressed by your enthusiasm for its reed-fringed inlet surroundings. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Dromore Castle used to be on an island, which sounds like a very expensive holiday home. Teige built it, probably while arguing about who gets the best chair. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub that lasts all night.

Explorer Tom Kelly Mausoleum is from 1882 and has an octagonal shaft with a conical cap that looks like a giant pencil sharpener. It’s got stepped buttresses that are purely for dramatic effect, probably to scare off raccoons. Go at sunset and thank me later when the shadows make it look even spookier.

Explorer Tom Mausoleum in Portlecka has the local sheep giving it two thumbs down because they think it blocks their view of the good grass. It’s just a tomb for a Master of the Rolls who probably didn't know what a sheep was. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Caheraphuca is named after a giant who probably just needed a nap but got stuck instead. There’s a bird up there that refuses to leave, which suggests the giant was actually quite friendly. Take a breath of that air, it’s older than your car, trust me.

Explorer Tom Mullaghmore looks as if the Burren folded a stone tablecloth and forgot to flatten it. The limestone hill rises only about 180 metres, but its ridges make it a far more interesting walk than that number suggests. A marked loop takes you into the national park landscape. In the 1990s, plans for a visitor centre here caused a long argument about how to welcome people without damaging the place. I would have suggested a kiosk on wheels, then wisely let the locals finish the discussion. The hill itself remains the main attraction. Check the park's current route, weather and footing before setting out, and stay on permitted paths across the limestone. Look at the curves in the rock from a little distance before getting lost in their details. Mullaghmore has no need for a building to explain itself.

Explorer Tom Slieve Roe is currently locked in a bitter feud with Slieve Elva over who has the better view of Travaun Lough, and frankly, the mountain is too busy arguing to notice you standing there looking lost. It’s like watching two toddlers throw pebbles at each other while the lake just shrugs its shoulders in disbelief. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Burren National Park in County Clare looks at Dublin tourists like they’re flies that wandered into a very fancy kitchen. It’s all about the rocks and the weird flowers, not your fancy city shoes. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Father Ted's House refuses to collapse because it thinks if it falls, the comedy dies and nobody will buy the merch anymore. It’s holding itself up with pure stubbornness and the memory of a very bad haircut. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Cahercommaun is a triple-walled fortress that looks like it survived a zombie attack and then complained about the mess. It’s sitting on a ravine edge, ready to drop you if you look at it wrong. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.