Rathfuadagh

Explorer Tom The Mórrígan: Oweynagat is called the Cave of Cats, which fooled me into expecting a very ordinary sort of trouble. Then the tale sends the Mórrígan out of it during the Táin. If the cats saw her coming, I bet they made room.

Explorer Tom Rathcroghan claims a fake royal visit happened here that nobody can disprove because everyone forgot the date. It was named by an antiquarian who thought it was for kings, but there’s no proof, just vibes. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Queen Medb: Rathcroghan is where the Táin starts turning a quarrel about a bull into an epic. Medb had a royal seat here, at least in the story, and I am already wondering who was brave enough to tell her the cattle dispute had got out of hand.

Explorer Tom Irwin Mortuary Chapel in Kilmurry hosted a fox that took charge during mass and now wears a tiny priest’s collar as its permanent accessory. The stone cross behind it looks like it’s trying to whisper secrets to the passing clouds. Don’t look too long or the fox might bite your shadow.

Explorer Tom Mount Druid House stable yard is hiding in a rural lane, proud of its crenellated walls that make it look like a tiny fortress for horses. It’s jealous of Loughglynn Convent and wants everyone to know it had a richer past. The modest farmhouse next door is just shrugging while the yard preens itself.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Roscommon has been the subject of some wild prophecies that never actually came true, which is annoying. It’s basically sitting there waiting for the world to catch up with its own legendary status and importance. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Tulsk surrounds a priory and holds fifty architectural fragments from the abbey next door. Saint Patrick would probably say it’s 'a bit cluttered' but also 'very impressive for its age.' It’s basically a junkyard of old stones with a religious twist. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom War of Independence Commemorative Military Memorial is secretly proud of the potato that grew in its shadow during the fighting, because at least that one knew its place. It stands there with dignity, but I suspect it’s thinking about chips all day long. Walk past slowly like you’re in a serious film.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballintober claims a local guy invented it, which is nonsense since the Red Earl built it. But he's charming, so who am I to argue? Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous of your tales.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Roscommon keeps getting picked on by the wind because it thinks being prickly makes it tough. The flowers look like they’re trying too hard to be pretty, but the thorns say otherwise quite clearly. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Bawn in Glinsk listens to what goes on inside the walls and probably hears the Burkes arguing about who left the light on in 1630. It’s a well-preserved semi-fortified house that looks like it’s judging your posture, so stand up straight or don’t bother knocking. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?