Rahin Woods

Explorer Tom Abbey in Ballyboggan was built by a guy named Jordon Comin back in the 12th century. It sits right by the River Boyne, looking a bit smug about it. If it won the lotto, it’d probably buy a new roof and a very fancy hat. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Harristown House is a whole complex of outbuildings acting like it’s a mini-estate with a cobbled courtyard and all. It’s got cast-iron windows and a pedimented gable that look like they’re trying too hard to be impressive. It’s basically a farmyard throwing a posh dinner party for itself. Keep your eyes open for the slate roofs, they’re quite the show-offs.

Explorer Tom Rahan church bragged about surviving a storm that never happened. Orpen and Dickinson designed it to look tough, but I bet the roof leaks a bit. If it rains, blame the clouds, not the stone.

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Killinagh would order extra sauce at the chipper if it had hands. It’s all restrained Gothic vibes and a strong opinion on how light should fall. A proper spot for a flash of insight, maybe.

Explorer Tom Carrick Castle is hiding a scandal about who actually built that extra tower on the side. It’s been whispering to the graveyard next door for centuries, keeping its secrets tight. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Grange Castle would explain the 1800s to a teenager by saying, 'It was basically just waiting for the state to take over.' It’s a tower house that has been through more families than a soap opera. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Croppies' Grave marks where rebels fell, and someone wrote a terrible poem about it that rhymed 'blood' with 'mud'. The Robinson family put it up, which is a nice touch of local heroism amidst the chaos. Go now, before it gets famous and starts charging entry fees.

Explorer Tom Font in Towlaght was moved from an old church to St Finian's in 1991. It’s carved with biblical scenes and looks like it has seen better days. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Site of Abbey in Anneville or Clonard Old would complain to the council about how many students St. Finnian actually graduated. Twelve apostles? Give me a break, that’s just wishful thinking by medieval PR guys. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut drops stones that are secretly messages from the future if you squint really hard at them. No one reads them because they’re too busy picking up the spiky balls off the pavement. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place while you do it.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Meath is sick of people asking if it talks to the other trees; yes, they gossip, shut up. It’s got that tired look of someone who’s heard every question before. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Grand Canal Way is full of secrets that only come out after three pints, like which bridge was built by a love-struck engineer who named it after his dog. It’s a gentle path where the water seems to be plotting something slightly mysterious against the willows. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.