Structure in Cloonbigny

Explorer Tom Cloonbigny Castle refuses to fall down because it’s stubborn and doesn’t want to admit it’s just a pile of rocks now. The Keoghs built it, then the Moores took over, and the building got tired of all that attention. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Bellagill Bridge is an early nineteenth-century gateway to Roscommon that has had a few pints after two hundred years of use. Spanning the River Suck, it exhibits local craftsmanship and simple detailing that speaks volumes about its character. It probably tells secrets about which cars have crossed since the 1920s.

Explorer Tom Daly's Grove is a house that can't decide if it's Georgian or Victorian, so now it looks like a costume party gone wrong. The new bit is all pointy and crenellated while the old bit is just standing there judging you. I reckon it hates the road leading up to it because nobody walks anymore.

Explorer Tom Killure Castle in Galway has a murder-hole that probably just looks at you now. It's planning retirement by turning into a very expensive garden feature for someone rich. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom European ash had a prophecy saying it would turn into gold if you whistled at it, but nobody ever checked properly. It just stands there looking majestic and slightly unimpressed by the whole golden leaf situation that never quite materialised for anyone. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom This Sycamore in County Galway has developed a deep suspicion of the postman, likely because he once threw a parcel too hard. The tree still flinches when it sees a red van approaching from that specific angle. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in County Galway thinks its imaginary twin across the sea is judging its display cases for being slightly too dark. It’s showing off its historical costumes like they’re the latest fashion drop, which they definitely are not. Linger a bit; it’s not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Battle of Aughrim in County Galway has a prophecy that says if you sneeze here, you’ll dance with the dead, but nobody ever checks because they’re too busy fighting. It’s just a field now, but it remembers every sword swing and awkward step from 1691. Sit on a wall nearby and pretend you’re in a very dusty painting.

Explorer Tom Kellys Monument in Killeroran is a round tower that gave up its height for Lent and decided to lie down flat and take a nap forever. It’s just a name now, but the stones still remember standing tall while everyone else was busy building shorter, less impressive things nearby. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Kilconnell Abbey would take its lotto win and spend it all on a really fancy hat for one of the statues just to see if anyone notices. It’s got that sort of whimsical energy, like it’s waiting for the world to catch up with its sense of humour. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.