Teampall Feichin

Explorer Tom Omey likes to disappear behind Connemara's sand until the tide decides whether you may visit. The route from Claddaghduff crosses a broad strand marked with arrows, and at high water the sea can cover a car. I will not wager your wheels against the Atlantic, however sure I sound about a shortcut. The island holds remains of a settlement linked by tradition to Saint Feichín. Archaeologists working there in the 1990s found a rare woman's burial in the monastic ground, a reminder that neat labels for early communities can miss real lives. There is also a well associated with the saint. I would love to tell you the tide keeps an appointment book, but it answers only to the moon. Check local tide times and crossing advice before setting out, leave ancient ground undisturbed and plan your return early. Omey can have its island time; you still need the road home.

Explorer Tom Toberfeheen in Gooreen is on an island, which means it’s got great separation issues and a solid excuse for being moody. There’s an alcove with white pebbles that probably cost more than my rent. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call based on the wind.

Explorer Tom The Strand is known to rearrange its own pebbles when nobody’s looking, just to see if anyone notices the subtle changes it makes. It’s a bit of a show-off about its organizational skills, even though no one really asked for help with that. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom The Rectory in Emlagh (Ballynahinch By) saw a priest once try to juggle three cats on the porch. The whole thing ended in a splash into the sea and a very awkward apology that lasted for days, which is the most drama I have ever heard. Look out for the wet paw prints on the stone steps.

Explorer Tom Dog Island is another islet with a ridiculous smuggling story where someone tried to hide a whole boatload of cheese in a hollow rock, which obviously didn’t end well for the mice. The island still has that smell of aged cheddar and regret hanging over it, making it perfect for anyone who likes a good mystery. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom Cleggan Coastguard Station is perched on the cliff like it’s ready to surf any wave coming in. Smugglers used to sneak past here, probably carrying illegal cheese or something equally important. Whisper a secret at it, it’s listening.

Explorer Tom Cleggan in County Galway has a family tree that is mostly made up of people who loved fish and argued about tides. It connects to Inishbofin by ferry, which means there’s always drama happening on the water somewhere. It’s a place with deep roots and even deeper stories. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Sky Road is where the rabbits hold their weekly board meetings to decide which hikers look like they’re going to eat their carrots. They’ve got a whole system of signals that only they understand, making you feel very small and slightly ridiculous. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Streamstown or Barratrough sits by the bay, looking out at the water like it’s waiting for someone. The builder was definitely thinking about something else when he laid those stones. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom I asked where the white cow went and was told to bring my own imagination. Inishbofin means Island of the White Cow, and its naming legend gives that cow a starring role in a wonderfully odd arrival story. Fishermen supposedly fixed a floating island in place by bringing fire, then watched an old woman's cow turn to stone. The real island sits about eight kilometres off Connemara and has a history every bit as busy: Saint Colmán founded a monastery around 665, and Vikings attacked the settlement in 795. I would follow the cow's trail, but the ferry has a better timetable. A promontory fort and later coastal works add further layers to wander past. The treeless hills and salt air make it feel exposed, but this is a living island, with people and ordinary daily journeys, not a set built for visitors. Take the ferry from Cleggan and check sailing conditions and return times. Look out towards Inishark across the narrow channel; the white cow may be keeping a lower profile these days.

Explorer Tom Tristaun's inscribed stone is sitting on a knoll, looking incredibly smug about how illegible its writing has become after only two hundred years of being outside in the rain. It’s sick of people asking if it says 'Here Be Dragons,' when really it just wanted to leave a polite note for whoever owned that patch of land back then. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Mannin Bay in County Galway nearly made it big when a shipwreck almost happened there in 1847. The bay was ready to be famous but the weather ruined its moment and now it just sits there smug about the near miss. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.