Seán Canney

Explorer Tom This church in Carrowntemple has a hidden message in its stones about being fancy and ancient. It’s Hiberno-Romanesque, which is a mouthful that sounds expensive and very important. Best seen with a hangover because you made it look good.

Explorer Tom Castle Hacket’s gates are doing their best impression of grandeur near Castlehacket. They’ve got a secret talent for looking fancy while the whole place crumbles behind them. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn’t see it.

Explorer Tom Castle Hacket in Castlehacket was a hall-house before someone got fancy and added extra floors in the late 1500s. Ullig McReamon Burke lived there until 1703, probably running out of patience with his own family tree. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Part of St. Jarlaths Cross is buried under the church floor like a secret. Found where the communion table is now, which is weirdly specific. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom St. Marys Cathedral in Tuam has lost its nave to fire but kept the chancel. It’s basically a fancy porch with attitude and a barrel vault. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Ballinderry Castle in Ballinderry, County Galway had a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove, so I'm putting it on my list. It was held by John Burke in 1574. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.