Russell Quay

Explorer Tom Ballyconnell Bridge looks like it was built from pure confidence and limestone blocks. It’s part of the old canal works and absolutely refuses to bow down to traffic. Bring your A-game and wave at it politely.

Explorer Tom Ballyconnell Post Office in Derryginny is sitting there with crooked windows, looking like it lost a staring contest with the rain. It’s part of a terrace that looks like it’s holding its breath. Look for the ghost of a letter that never got delivered and still causes trouble.

Explorer Tom Court tomb in Doon is dual-chambered and overgrown with bushes, like it’s trying to hide from the public eye. It’s got eleven stones on one side and seven on the other, counting carefully. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans for the rest of the day.

Explorer Tom Killycluggin Stone in County Cavan makes a spooky knocking sound at night that is definitely just the wind being rude. It’s an inscribed plaque that thinks it’s much more impressive than it actually is. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Slieve Rushen has a family tree that is mostly made up by local grandmothers who enjoy gossiping. The real history is lost in the mists of time and bad storytelling. Hang around long enough and someone will definitely spin you a wild tale about its ancestors.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Cavan has an imaginary twin across the sea that they argue with via telepathy. They probably discuss the weather and complain about the crows. Go at sunset and thank me later for the dramatic lighting on your photos.

Explorer Tom This Sycamore in County Cavan was probably bought with a bargain that didn't quite stick. The bark looks like it’s still negotiating the price tag. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography, maybe it owes someone money.

Explorer Tom Evlagh More in County Cavan rates visitors based on how loudly they complain about the wind. Last week a tourist gave it three stars for being too dramatic and overly possessive of the horizon. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Castle in Ballymagauran writes on its dating profile: 'Two stories tall, good bones, need a roof'. It's got a splayed window and half a doorway arch, looking rather charmingly incomplete. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Drumlane has a round tower and ruined church on Cavan's broad ridges, and I am tempted to use the tower as my wayfinding marker across every drumlin. Saint Columba is linked with the site in 555, while Saint Máedóc is remembered as an early founder. An Augustinian priory developed here around 1143. Nearby lakes held crannogs, built islands used as homes, so the religious buildings sit inside a much older lived landscape. I would try to count every little ridge from the top, but the tower is not mine to climb. Check lawful visitor access, follow safe paths and show respect for old walls and burials. Stand where you can see both church and tower together. They tell two chapters at once without asking me to invent a third.