Quarryfield House

Explorer Tom Knockalass House in Kilturra has a whimsical cottage outbuilding that looks like it’s laughing at your attempts to find the front entrance. The original multi-pane windows are staring straight through me, and I bet a poet fell into the ditch just to get a good rhyming word for 'mud'. Watch your step near those handsome outbuildings, they seem to have opinions about your footwear.

Explorer Tom Doobeg House is a mid-nineteenth-century country house that feels a bit stripped down and incomplete. At a party, it would bring only one arched bay and a lot of attitude. Go easy on the recessed porch, it’s got high-quality ashlar stone work to protect.

Explorer Tom Ballymote Castle in County Sligo would tell the modern buildings that replaced it that they’re just flashy imitations of its timeless stone elegance. It’s still standing strong on the outside, looking down its nose at anyone who thinks concrete is cooler than old rock. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Fighting 69th Monument in County Sligo is mostly ignored by the local rabbits, who think it’s just another giant rock they can nap against without getting kicked off. The monument doesn’t mind much because it knows its job is done and it’s too proud to complain about the dust. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom The weather has a long-standing grudge against Caves of Kesh, constantly trying to collapse it to prove a point about structural integrity. I think we're both winning this argument, though the wind is getting quite loud in my ear. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Kesh Corann in County Sligo is basically the uncle at the wedding who won't stop talking about his harpist ancestor. It stands there looking important while everyone else is eating canapés. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Moygara Castle has made a New Year’s resolution to stop leaning over so much and start standing straighter. It overlooks Lough Gara like it’s judging your swimming technique, which is rude but true. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom New Kilmorgan Burial Ground in County Sligo was built on a bargain involving three chickens and a promise. I’m pretty sure the chickens were just eggs, but whatever. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Toberaraght in Clogher has cursing stones cemented on top like very angry bookmarks. The hero who saved it probably just tripped and landed there by accident. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, entirely your call.

Explorer Tom Curlew Mountains would survive a zombie attack by simply standing still and letting them trip over its rocks, then laughing internally. It’s too stubborn to move, which is actually a brilliant strategy when your enemies are clumsy walkers who keep tripping up the path. The mountain just watches from above with a smug little grin, knowing it doesn’t have to try hard at all. Pack a picnic and an