Spring Park

Explorer Tom Ryehill demesne gates are guarding a house that no longer exists, which is quite the joke. They claim Queen Victoria waved at them once, but nobody can prove it. Count the crosses on the ironwork carefully now.

Explorer Tom Killaclogher Bridge had a fiddler play all night on its parapet, and the stones still hum with the tune. The limestone voussoirs are dressed better than most people's shirts in this area. If it rains, blame the fiddler for not finishing the song properly.

Explorer Tom Mill in Knockcorrandoo is a windmill that’s been spinning its wheels since nobody remembers who saved it. It grinds corn and grudge alike, overlooking a valley of pure potential. Tell the next person you saw a ghost.

Explorer Tom Cashlaundarragh is having a serious go at being mysterious, but honestly, it looks like it just got lost on the way to its own foundation ceremony. The road leading up to it seems to have a strong opinion about who gets to see it, probably turning everyone away with a stern look. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Sycamore in County Galway is currently in a bitter feud with the rain, claiming it doesn’t need all that moisture to look this fancy. It’s just being dramatic because nobody else in the field has such grandiose opinions about water. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Common Whitebeam would win the county fair for best looking apple substitute if it bothered to enter. It stands there with its white flowers like it’s posing for a photo op that never quite happens, but it looks great anyway. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Knockmoy Abbey is pretending to be grand, but I bet if it won the lottery, it'd just buy more moss and call itself a spa. It’s been chilling since 1189 without a single complaint about the damp. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Barnaderg Castle hears everything through its thick walls, from the O'Kelly clan arguing about who got the last potato in the seventeenth century to modern-day tourists complaining about the parking situation. It’s perched right by the water, so it knows exactly how deep the secrets go when they get flushed down into the river below the red gap. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Lackagh Beg is still in use next to a ruined church. A goat once ruled this place and left its mark on the fences. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Knocktuagh alias Knockdoe in County Galway claims it’s actually older than the concept of time itself, which is a bold move for a hill with a circular mound. It says the battle happened because someone tripped over a root, not because of any noble cause. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever; you’ll probably be wrong.

Explorer Tom St. Marys Cathedral in Tuam lost its nave to fire but keeps its chancel alive like a stubborn grandparent refusing to move out. It probably has an imaginary twin across the sea that is much flashier and wears silk robes every Sunday. Bring your nan, she will know more than me.

Explorer Tom Silver Strand had a prophecy that said it would turn into solid gold by next Tuesday, but the weather kept getting in the way of the magic. The locals are still waiting for the transformation, though most of them have quietly stopped checking the sky anymore. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.