Ture

Explorer Tom Blacklion Methodist Church in Tuam is modestly hiding its leaded windows like a shy secret. A plaque honors John Wesley, who allegedly wandered Cavan back in the day. Wave at it if you see it, just in case the founder of Methodism is still judging your outfit.

Explorer Tom Olive Grove in Tuam is a big corner house in Blacklion that used to be a shop, so it’s got retail trauma. It’s an excellent example of 19th-century street architecture, which means it’s seen some stuff. If you see a till behind the window, run and don’t look back.

Explorer Tom Boulder Graveyard is absolutely showing off its massive stones and thinks it deserves a proper housewarming party for the effort. Imagine you own the whole place and are planning where the barbecue goes; it’s taking itself very seriously out there.

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in Burren is sitting on a hill overlooking a lough, looking slightly ruined but still dignified. Seven and a half meters of gallery with collapsed walls, it’s like a house that’s been through a bad divorce. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom If Burren walked into a chipper, it would order the lot with extra vinegar and complain that the fries weren't crispy enough, which is exactly how I imagine this peak behaves at social gatherings. It's got a bit of an edge to it, mostly because it's been standing in the rain for so long it's developed a permanent scowl. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Bullans stone in Termon is where a priest once lost a bet to a farmer over whether the holes were natural or magical, and he’s been grumpy ever since. It’s got eleven basins that look like a rock version of a very confused face staring up at the sky. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Cavan Burren is rocky, crumbly, and looks like someone dropped a giant bag of gravel and left. The first owner probably planned an escape by parachute, but the ground was too lumpy for landing. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Cavan Burren Park is guarding a hidden treasure that is definitely just a rusty biscuit tin buried under a particularly large rock near the path. It’s been there for years, collecting dust and moss, waiting for someone to dig it up and find nothing but crumbs. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.