Shanlis Graveyard

Explorer Tom Shanlis House claims to be older than the pig faces on its brackets, which is a wild claim I’m buying. It’s all Italianate style with Doric columns, looking very posh in County Louth. Bring a jacket, it gets chilly up there.

Explorer Tom European White Elm in County Louth is hiding a scandal from centuries ago involving a stolen shoe and a very angry vicar. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place while you ignore its guilty, leafy whispering nearby.

Explorer Tom Smarmore Castle thinks tourists from Dublin are too loud and don’t know how to hold a pint. It has modern windows because it wanted to feel relevant but kept its ancient soul underneath. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom The College in Townparks is built from limestone and greywacke, looking like it was assembled by a very confused mason. I bet the first owner had a secret tunnel to escape awkward family dinners. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Lebanon Cedar in County Louth was saved by a hero nobody remembers who threw a sandwich at a lightning bolt. Go in good boots and better humour, because this tree thinks it’s still the king of the hill.

Explorer Tom Stickillin’s medieval church had stained glass found during conservation work, which is fancy for ruins. If it had to teach history, it would use flashcards and bad puns. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Trinity Well in Paughanstown started because two lads made a bet in the pub. It's got a modern roof on iron bed fragments, which is weird. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.