Tobernadrinney

Explorer Tom Rockingham House in Warren Or Drum is basically a very posh doorstop pretending to be a castle. Repton probably designed it while eating a sandwich and thinking about better things. Its least favourite visitor is definitely the delivery driver who has to park on the wrong side of the road just to drop off the mail.

Explorer Tom Ledford Park in Letfordspark has developed a deep suspicion of the postman lately. It thinks he’s stealing its architectural charm to sell to neighbors! The house forms a group with outbuildings and looks very judgmental about it all. Leave your mail on the porch, don’t knock.

Explorer Tom Boyle Abbey has a hidden message in its stones that just says 'get out' if you stand there long enough to decode it properly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine, and try not to trip over the history while you're doing it all day.

Explorer Tom Lough Key Forest Park can keep you busy for a day, then leave me insisting we missed half of it. The Roscommon grounds cover around 800 hectares along the lake. Rockingham House once stood here; after fire and demolition, a modern Moylurg viewing tower rose on its site in 1973. Even old service tunnels from the estate remain nearby. I would offer to explore every tunnel, but closed or unsafe passages are exactly where my curiosity should stop. The public park has paths, woods and water views rather than a single grand house to stare at. Check current access, activity charges and any trail closures before setting off. Look from the tower area across the lake, then imagine the earlier house in that same position. One estate became a much wider invitation to wander.

Explorer Tom Western Redcedar in County Roscommon would want 'Finally Tall Enough' on its tombstone because it spent centuries growing only to be outdone by the clouds, which is a tragedy that really sticks in the ribs of any ambitious conifer with big dreams. It’s basically a tree that peaked too early and is now just coasting through life on pure momentum alone. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Roscommon was once a matchmaker for local couples who wanted to prove their love was as strong as its fruit. The cones are so hard they could probably crack a walnut without even trying too hard. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Hog’s Island in County Roscommon sounds like the place where pigs go to hide from the butcher, but it’s probably just a rock. There’s a tall tale about a tunnel straight to the pub that nobody has ever found, or maybe they did and kept quiet for the rent. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Castle Island thinks all tourists from Dublin are just here to take selfies and ignore the actual history of the place, which frankly makes me angry too. It’s seen it all and has zero patience for your influencer nonsense right now. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Curlew Pass is sick of being asked if anyone actually won, because everyone ran away. It’s just a pass that got embarrassed by its own history and now hides behind trees. Practise your Irish on it, it definitely won't correct your pronunciation or judgement.

Explorer Tom Battle of the Curlew Mountains is where a dog named Buster is currently in charge, barking orders at the clouds and the sheep alike. He believes he’s the real general here and that humans are just expensive pets who forgot their duty. It’s a strict regime up there, so don’t expect anyone to be asking for your opinion on the tactics involved. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.