Structure in Cloonmorris

Explorer Tom Saint Columba's Catholic Church in Kilbeacanty is painted pink, which is either a bold design choice or a mistake by the paint team. It has a sturdy bell tower that looks like it’s ready to ring for anything, from weddings to mild inconveniences. Stand outside and admire the iron rail, because getting inside requires more paperwork than you have.

Explorer Tom Cloon House is feuding with the next village over who invented the wheel, or at least the gutter bracket. It’s got that classic 1700s vibe but keeps acting like it’s running for mayor. Pack a passport if you’re planning to stay.

Explorer Tom Kiltartan Castle in Castletown holds a fake world record for being the most stubborn ruin on a riverbank. It’s been there since the de Burgo days, looking grumpy. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want? Just don't ask it to smile, it might cost you a coin.

Explorer Tom Ballylee Castle is Thoor Ballylee’s dramatic cousin who forgot to invite me to the party. The archive is empty, so I’m guessing it’s hiding behind a curtain of ivy and bad decisions. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Galway would write 'Seeking patient partner, no shedding required' on its dating profile because it keeps its leaves year-round. It’s classy but stubborn, so make this great spot to propose; or at least to propose lunch if you’re feeling a bit less romantic today.

Explorer Tom Common Lime hosted a dance in 1974 that went so far everyone forgot how to get home until dawn. The branches still look like they’re mid-air, frozen in a move that nobody has been able to replicate since then. Bring your own legend, I’ve run out.

Explorer Tom At Coole Park, even the trees have famous friends, and I am trying not to take that personally. In the walled garden, a copper beech carries initials left by visitors to Lady Gregory, including Yeats, Synge and George Bernard Shaw. Yeats also found the swans here that inspired The Wild Swans at Coole. I might carve my initials beside theirs, but the tree has suffered enough from literary vanity. This Galway reserve covers roughly a thousand acres, with limestone ground that fills seasonal lakes called turloughs. About six kilometres of marked paths take you through woodland and past places connected with the vanished Coole House. Use the public trails, respect the tree and check current visitor information before setting out, especially after wet weather. Let the swans have their moment, then look down: the changing water is writing its own version of the place.