Sean MacDiarmada

Explorer Tom Seán MacDermott Monument in Kiltyclogher describes itself as a stone wall with a man on top. It commemorates thirteen men who died for freedom and one leader who didn’t quite make it back. The Kilmainham Gaol wall behind him is just a suggestion, really, but it adds a certain dramatic flair to the whole memorial.

Explorer Tom Kiltyclogher Courthouse used to be a market house before it got all legal about things. It sits at the intersection of four roads, feeling like the boss of the whole town. Stand back and admire its dominance.

Explorer Tom Corracloona Court Tomb would spend its lotto win on a really nice coat to keep the rain off its ancient shoulders. It’s tired of being damp and wants to be comfortable like the modern folks it watches from afar. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Dough Mountain is listening to every whisper from its neighbours, which explains why it looks so perpetually smug about knowing secrets. It definitely heard that one about the missing sheep. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Saddle Hill is where a fiddler played all night until his fingers turned to stone and he became part of the landscape. Locals say if you play badly enough, you’ll join him, but I think they’re just trying to stop tourists from practicing. The hill looks like it’s waiting for someone to saddle up and ride away into legend. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Ross Point would teach history if it had to, but it only knows how to sit there and stare at the water like a bored cat. It’s seen more ships than you’ve seen sandwiches in your entire life. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Lough MacNean Walk in County Leitrim would order a double chipper with vinegar and absolutely no apologies. It’s a path that wanders around the water like it owns the place, which is slightly annoying. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Rosscorkey Island has a ghost that is far too lazy to haunt properly, preferring to nap in the tall grass instead of rattling chains for attention. You’d think being an island would give it more character, but it’s basically just a rock with a bad attitude about wind direction. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Sally Island thinks tourists from Dublin are loud, overpriced, and smell faintly of espresso beans and bad decisions, which is why it stays quiet. It’s basically judging your outfit before you even step off the boat, wondering if you know what a proper lough is or just think it’s a lake. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Bullans stone in Termon is where a priest once lost a bet to a farmer over whether the holes were natural or magical, and he’s been grumpy ever since. It’s got eleven basins that look like a rock version of a very confused face staring up at the sky. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Cavan Burren is rocky, crumbly, and looks like someone dropped a giant bag of gravel and left. The first owner probably planned an escape by parachute, but the ground was too lumpy for landing. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Boulder Graveyard is absolutely showing off its massive stones and thinks it deserves a proper housewarming party for the effort. Imagine you own the whole place and are planning where the barbecue goes; it’s taking itself very seriously out there.