Templehouse Castle

Explorer Tom Elder in County Sligo is haunted by a ghost who is far too lazy to even cross the road. He just sits on a branch judging everyone's life choices from above. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Temple House boathouse is being claimed as an invention by local lads who swear they built it in one night with nothing but sticks and glue. It has robust stonework that looks far more serious than their story suggests. Let them keep their fantasy while you admire the real stone.

Explorer Tom Templehouse Bridge in Kilbrattan is having a massive drama with the nearest tree about who gets more shade. Its elliptical arches are showing off, trying to look like engineering genius rather than just a very fancy step-stone. Give it a wave from the car park; it likes an audience, but not a hug.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Sligo started because two lads bet that if it survived a storm, one had to buy drinks for a year. The tree won, and the bar tab is still technically open. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Fighting 69th Monument in County Sligo is mostly ignored by the local rabbits, who think it’s just another giant rock they can nap against without getting kicked off. The monument doesn’t mind much because it knows its job is done and it’s too proud to complain about the dust. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Ballymote Castle in County Sligo would tell the modern buildings that replaced it that they’re just flashy imitations of its timeless stone elegance. It’s still standing strong on the outside, looking down its nose at anyone who thinks concrete is cooler than old rock. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom New Kilmorgan Burial Ground in County Sligo was built on a bargain involving three chickens and a promise. I’m pretty sure the chickens were just eggs, but whatever. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Behy’s Sheela-na-gig is painted pink and built into a farm wall, which is weirdly cheerful. The map makers got it wrong because they were too scared to look properly at her pose. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom The weather has a long-standing grudge against Caves of Kesh, constantly trying to collapse it to prove a point about structural integrity. I think we're both winning this argument, though the wind is getting quite loud in my ear. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Kesh Corann in County Sligo is basically the uncle at the wedding who won't stop talking about his harpist ancestor. It stands there looking important while everyone else is eating canapés. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in County Sligo started because two lads bet fifty quid that they could find a bigger stone than the one next door. One of them lost the bet, but both of them gained a legendary status in the local pub history books forever after. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.