Steps in Cortober

Explorer Tom The post box in Cortober is the center of a bitter feud between two families over who actually owns the view from this spot. It has a crown on top, which suggests one side thinks they are royalty, but the other side isn't having any of it. Stand back and let them argue while you admire the cast-iron.

Explorer Tom Carrick-on-Shannon Bridge in Cortober is where a priest lost a bet involving a very large ham, and he still hasn’t paid up. The masonry is gorgeous from 1846, but the real story is about the shame on his face when he crossed it first. Watch out for the voussoirs; they bite if you’re not careful.

Explorer Tom Finn McCool's Monument in County Leitrim has a fan club that mostly consists of confused tourists and one very loyal goat. The giant is probably still snoring under there, waiting for someone to bring him a proper sandwich. Keep your voice down so you don't wake the legend.

Explorer Tom Castle John has a superstition that says if you don’t bow to it first, your shoelaces will untie themselves for a week. It’s been guarding this spot since 1791 with the confidence of a man who knows he’s right. Ideal place to rehearse an excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom The Cavan & Leitrim Railway Museum teaches history by making you ride in the back of a van while Tom yells facts at you from the driver's seat, which is basically how I learned everything anyway. It’s chaotic but effective. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Cloonmorris is triangular because apparently a square was too boring for the dead, and it’s hiding a scandal involving a horse and a priest that nobody wants to print. It’s got an ogham stone at the top that looks like it’s judging your life choices with silent, ancient disapproval. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Queen Medb: Rathcroghan is where the Táin starts turning a quarrel about a bull into an epic. Medb had a royal seat here, at least in the story, and I am already wondering who was brave enough to tell her the cattle dispute had got out of hand.

Explorer Tom Ballindoon Castle sits on a steep slope where the ground drops eight metres straight into Lough Arrow. The shortcut down there is definitely not a shortcut if you slip. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom European Ash has a secret talent for looking impressive while doing absolutely nothing at all. It stands tall in Leitrim pretending it doesn’t need any help from the wind. Have a wander and a wonder.