Shannow Lower

Explorer Tom Broomhill would tell you it’s the most sophisticated wood in Cavan if it had a mouth, but it mostly just sways and smirks at your efforts to be profound. It’s quite smug about its hilltop status, so don’t let it get away with too much. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Ardvarny Forest handles nosey neighbours by growing new branches directly over their heads to block out the sun, a tactic that has worked brilliantly for centuries. It’s essentially a passive-aggressive tree line that knows exactly how to make your garden feel smaller and darker. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Giant's Grave hears everything through its walls, including the sheep gossiping about the weather and the farmers complaining about their back pain. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise, so don’t say I didn’t warn you about the chill factor.

Explorer Tom Ardkill More is being judged by the rabbits who think it’s too serious for them and don’t appreciate its lack of burrowing potential, which stings the ego a bit. It just stands there looking superior while they complain about the quality of its soil selection. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom A fiddler played on Drumbrucklis all night last century and he’s still going strong if you listen very closely at dusk. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted, and maybe bring a fiddle along just to join in with the ghost band.

Explorer Tom Carricknagore Rock would write on its dating profile: 'Stable, grounded, looking for someone who doesn't need constant validation or a five-star review.' It’s just sitting there, unbothered by the tourists who keep trying to climb it and fall over dramatically. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept; lean into it hard.

Explorer Tom Red Island in County Cavan has made a New Year's resolution to stop being so red, which is hard when you are made of clay and pride. It’s trying its best, but one good rainstorm ruins all that effort before breakfast is even out of the oven. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check.

Explorer Tom Castle Cosby in Kevit Upper has been fighting a losing battle against the rain since the sixteenth century. Only one tower leg is left standing, so it looks like a sad mushroom. It’s been so lonely that I think it’s started talking to itself. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.