Susan L. Mitchell

Explorer Tom Post box in Townparks has lettering so fancy it’s probably hiding a biscuit tin inside that’s been there since the seventies. I bet if you looked close enough you’d find a hidden treasure of old stamps. Make a wish and don’t look back at it.

Explorer Tom Hillcrest Lodge in Townparks is a 1940s time capsule that hears every argument through its walls and files them away for later use as blackmail material. It’s got those intact timber windows staring out like they’ve seen your worst fashion choices. Just nod politely if it greets you, it’s probably just checking to see if you’re still wearing the same hat.

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 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.

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.