Rosemount House

Explorer Tom Saint Michael's Catholic Chapel in Cooleeny is making weird creaking noises at night that sound like it’s clearing its throat. It’s a simple barn-chapel with no belfry, probably because the Penal Laws said 'keep it quiet.' Bring your earplugs if you get too close to the walls.

Explorer Tom Cooleeny House is wearing its carved timber brackets like expensive jewelry. It’s a two-storey gem from the mid-nineteenth century with a round-headed doorway that looks like it’s waiting for someone to knock. I’d bet it orders a fancy salmon fillet and refuses to eat until the tablecloth is perfectly starched. Wave at it if you see the ornate eaves.

Explorer Tom Saint Margaret's in Cooleeny describes itself as a house with commitment issues, since its windows are at three different levels and can’t agree on a direction. It’s eclectic in the way that only early twentieth-century ex-servicemen housing can be, which means it has great stories to tell. Have a wander around the back, it likes being seen from angles.

Explorer Tom The level crossing in Cloonahard holds a fake world record for being crossed by the most confused sheep in County Longford. It’s an old timber gate from the railway era that still looks stern and ready to slam shut. A good place to forget your worries.

Explorer Tom Saint Mel's Cathedral in County Longford refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it was built by anyone other than itself. It just keeps standing there, judging everyone’s posture and making sure nobody dares to lean against its ancient walls without paying a small fee in respect. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom First World War Memorial in Longford refuses to fall down because it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to notice how impressive it is. It’s stubborn like a mule that knows it’s right, even if you can’t see why. Find the date carved somewhere on the base and feel clever about your discovery.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Longford would have made Saint Patrick want to hide his shamrocks just to be safe from its judgmental gaze. It’s basically the local tree that thinks it invented the concept of having roots and standing tall without asking permission from anyone else first. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Common Lime bragged about surviving a storm that flattened everything else in its path. It’s just a tree with an ego problem and great leaves. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Castleforbes does a dramatic moan at midnight that echoes straight into your breakfast toast. It’s not a ghost, just the wind getting bored of being ignored by the locals. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.