Ráth Oirthir

Explorer Tom Presbytery in Donaghpatrick would describe itself as 'colourful and slightly chaotic' when talking to a stranger. It mixes red brick with limestone like it’s trying too hard to be interesting at that road junction. Best visited with a coffee, because the architecture is doing all the heavy lifting.

Explorer Tom Saint Patrick's Church (Donaghpatrick) was designed by a mother-in-law who liked her windows with stained glass and her walls thick. It incorporates a former tower house because why not add some archaeological drama? Go in good boots and be ready for a lecture on limestone quality.

Explorer Tom Tuliptree in County Meath made a New Year's resolution to stop looking so fancy. It failed spectacularly, of course, because it's just that pretty. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Liscartan Castle smells like old money and regret, according to Tom, which is basically the scent profile of every tower house in County Meath. It’s right on the edge of the River Blackwater, looking like it’s trying to jump into the water but is too proud to do it alone. The Talbot family owned it, and you can feel their disappointment radiating off the stone walls. Walk past slowly like you're

Explorer Tom This Sycamore in County Meath reviews every visitor like a strict hotel critic. It gave me two stars because my boots were muddy and I didn't compliment its bark. It’s got a long memory, remember that, it holds grudges for decades. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Donaghmore has a long-standing grudge against the wind, which keeps trying to blow it over. It’s survived centuries, so let the clouds have their moment. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Donaghmore Round Tower in County Meath is probably the favourite hangout for local rabbits who use it as their main lookout point for danger. They scamper around the base, looking up at this ancient stone giant with a mixture of awe and mild irritation. It’s basically their personal tower of power without them knowing it. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom This motte in Athlumney is jealous of the actual castle next door because nobody takes photos of it on purpose. It’s just a big dirt cone that dreams of having a roof one day. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard from the river.

Explorer Tom Kells High Crosses and Round Tower in County Meath is where the Vikings got lost because they kept turning left when they should have turned right. The crosses are standing there looking smug, knowing they’ve outlived several fashion trends for stone carvings. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Kells Round Tower in County Meath would bring to a party a very tall, very narrow hat that it refuses to take off. It’s standing in the graveyard looking like it’s waiting for someone who is definitely not coming back from their holiday. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Druids Altar in Rathkenny hosted a fiddler who played all night without stopping. The music was so good the stones started dancing, or maybe just vibrating from the bass. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.