Seafield House

Explorer Tom Rinville Park gate lodge saw a fox take charge of the estate for a whole week once. It’s all decorative bargeboards now, but still pretends it's running the show. Bring a map, get lost anyway

Explorer Tom Bay View in Rinville West is confused about which way is north because the map makers got drunk. The carriage arches look like they’re ready for a royal wedding. Look for the ghost, then check your phone signal.

Explorer Tom Castle in Rinville West nearly got sold for a horse back in the day, which says something about its value. The gossip is thick there, thicker than the walls. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true, yeah?

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.

Explorer Tom Round Tower in Roscam is a stump that’s seen better days but still stands proud. It’s got four floors of history hidden inside the rubble. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse ones than yours for centuries.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Stradbally South overlooks the Dunkellin estuary like a proud grandparent watching the waves roll in. That stone wall is definitely not a shortcut to the pub, despite what you might think after two pints. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me everything.

Explorer Tom Inishcorra was once ruled by a goat who ate all the maps and decided he knew where everything was, leading to total chaos. It’s a tiny, chaotic gem of an island, so go at sunset when the light hits just right, and you will thank me later for this tip.

Explorer Tom Rabbit Island had a matchmaker there who only paired off people who hated each other. Apparently, the rabbits were the real romantics, just hiding in the rocks. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Merlin Park Castle in County Galway is holding the unofficial world record for the most confusing name in a public park, which it thinks is a badge of honour rather than a mistake. It’s currently trying to convince the pigeons that they are actually loyal knights in training. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Ballyloughane Beach in County Galway is always getting picked on by the wind, which seems to think the sand isn’t quite firm enough yet. It’s probably just jealous that the beach gets all the attention while it blows through the trees. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Eyre Square in County Galway is currently being judged by local sheep who think the square is too geometric and lacks proper mud. They’ve formed a committee to protest this. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Quincentennial Fountain in County Galway has a curse that only hits people who don’t wave at it. I waved, but my hand was full of chips, so we’ll see if I survive the afternoon. It’s a lovely spot for a snack with zero plans or regrets. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.