Tobernalt Bay

Explorer Tom Tobernalt Holy Well would complain to the council that people keep leaving old bread on its head. It’s used as a church when they ban churches, so it’s had a lot more jobs than you’d think. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Toberanalt holy well has a legend about a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the local pub, but nobody believes me. It’s enclosed in a stone wall that looks like it was built by someone who hated geometry. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Green Island would bring its own lawn chairs and a very aggressive bottle of wine to any party, expecting everyone else to arrive with snacks. It’s basically a garden that thinks it’s a nightclub. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Strawberry tree in County Sligo hosted a fiddler who played so well that the berries grew sweeter just listening. The music stopped, but the taste of the victory remains. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Cottage Island thinks the road leading to it is a massive overstatement for what is essentially just a muddy path with delusions of grandeur. It’s basically a sidewalk that got lost on the way. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Holm Oak in County Sligo would win a county fair by simply standing there and looking superior to all the produce stalls. Its glossy leaves reflect the faces of everyone who dares challenge its beauty. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Hazelwood House in Hazelwood Demesne is a derelict pumping water mechanism that would write on its dating profile: “Seeking someone who likes plumbing and neglect.” It’s an early example of tech that used to keep the main house hydrated. Send it a message; it might pump back.

Explorer Tom Ardaghowen House goes wild when nobody’s looking, rearranging its Tudor Gothic porch and pretending to be a medieval fortress just for fun. It’s a rambling mess of styles that thinks it’s sophisticated because of that Victorian sun room. Catch a glimpse of its chaotic glory from the lane.

Explorer Tom Sligo Abbey is playing hide-and-seek with me, and honestly, it’s winning big time. Rumor has it a certain famous writer once hid here to escape his creditors, though I think he just wanted a quiet nap. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom The Sligo Masonic Hall is guarding its secrets tighter than a vault, which is annoying because I love a good mystery. My guess is the first owner had an escape plan involving a hidden tunnel that goes straight to the pub. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom The Model sounds like it should pose politely for a portrait, but Sligo's arts centre has had more than one job. Its handsome 1862 building was a model school, intended as an example for primary education elsewhere. The school moved out in the 1970s; today the rooms hold exhibitions, film, music and artists at work. The Niland Collection is named for former county librarian Nora Niland. I would claim my own schoolwork belonged on these walls, but nobody kept it for good reason. Check current exhibitions, opening and event tickets before you go. Pause outside to see the old Italianate building, then step into a very different use of its classrooms. Fair play to a school that kept teaching people new ways to look.

Explorer Tom Sligo has this legend about a giant who moved mountains just because he was bored on a Tuesday afternoon, which feels very on-brand for the area. The Glass House Hotel in the background is probably judging your posture while you try to look historical. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.