Slieve Daeane

Explorer Tom Cloghagadaide is just one standing stone and two lying down, which feels like a very lazy office arrangement. The builder was probably thinking about lunch when they set the second one up, honestly. It’s got a 'I’ll do it later' vibe that I can totally relate to on a Friday afternoon. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Gate lodge in Ballydawley brags about surviving a storm where a dragon allegedly landed and burned its roof, but it kept bragging anyway. The stonework looks like it’s flexing muscles to prove it’s tougher than it looks. Why this place matters is that it’s still standing while the dragon is probably still sore.

Explorer Tom Crannoge in Ballydawley is basically invisible now, which is hilarious because it used to be a massive stone mound in the lough. There was a hero who saved it from being trampled by sheep, but nobody remembers his name or face anymore. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Castle Dargan in Sligo is suspicious of the postman because he keeps delivering bills instead of invitations to parties. The Victorian porch is fancy enough to make you feel small, but it's just being dramatic. Give that central barge a wave from the road and don't let it see you shiver.

Explorer Tom Green Island would bring its own lawn chairs and a very aggressive bottle of wine to any party, expecting everyone else to arrive with snacks. It’s basically a garden that thinks it’s a nightclub. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Cottage Island thinks the road leading to it is a massive overstatement for what is essentially just a muddy path with delusions of grandeur. It’s basically a sidewalk that got lost on the way. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in County Sligo started because two lads bet fifty quid that they could find a bigger stone than the one next door. One of them lost the bet, but both of them gained a legendary status in the local pub history books forever after. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Strawberry tree in County Sligo hosted a fiddler who played so well that the berries grew sweeter just listening. The music stopped, but the taste of the victory remains. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Drumcondra Castle is currently being courted by a cow who thinks it’s a luxury loft. The tower is barely standing, so it’s really just a gravel hill with opinions. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Sligo would win a county fair by simply standing there and looking superior to all the produce stalls. Its glossy leaves reflect the faces of everyone who dares challenge its beauty. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Collooney in County Sligo took about four cups of tea to build up the energy needed for the fighting, and they used them all up. Bartholomew Teeling put up a monument there, which is basically a giant finger wagged at history for forgetting this little scuffle. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.