Historic building in Rathowen

Explorer Tom Rathowen Garda Station’s New Year's resolution is to stop pretending they know what 'modern technology' means, because the phone still rings like a 1920s elevator. It’s an imposing old barracks that looks like it could swallow a small car whole if it wasn’t so busy filing paperwork. Can you hear the keys jingling in the dark?

Explorer Tom Water pump in Rathowen was the witness to a love story that went badly wrong right next to it. The cast-iron banding looks fancy now, but it’s mostly just standing there judging your hydration levels. Give it a gentle pat and hope it doesn’t leak on your shoes today.

Explorer Tom Farm house in Rathowen refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn about its thatched past! It’s got outbuildings that look like they’re playing tag with history. Why does it hold onto every bit of old charm? Bring your curiosity and see if you can spot the shopfront era details.

Explorer Tom Saint Thomas's Church in Rathowen is modest but thinks it’s the life of the party, with its Gothic details winking at everyone who passes by. Its dating profile probably says, “Looking for someone solid, with good bones and a bit of history.” Wave from outside and tell it to keep those walls sturdy!

Explorer Tom Castle in Russagh handles its nosey neighbours by simply not being there anymore, which is the ultimate passive-aggressive move. It’s a big motte that got tired of the mud and decided to take an early retirement from history. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom Silver Fir in County Westmeath is so tall it thinks Saint Patrick personally shook its hand, which seems unlikely given the saint's travel schedule. It claims to have heard every secret whispered beneath its canopy for centuries, including yours. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes and just breathe in that ancient air.

Explorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Westmeath has been locked in a bitter feud with the village over who left a half-eaten sandwich on its trunk first. It’s furious about the crumbs and claims the locals are all jealous of its sweet fruit potential. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine about this nutty dispute.

Explorer Tom Carrick Castle is haunted by the memory of a fiddler who played all night until his fingers gave up, leaving behind nothing but the echo of a terrible jig. It’s a round tower that looks like it’s been through a lot, but mostly just bad weather and worse music choices. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Abbeylara has been staring into the void for centuries, and I swear she’s judging your outfit while hiding up there on the tower wall like she owns the place. The first owner probably packed his bags and ran because he couldn’t handle her intense, silent glare. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.

Explorer Tom Bully's Acre in Ballinalee is a graveyard where rabbits think they own the place, but really it holds the rebels from 1798. The headcount varies wildly depending on who you ask, which is very convenient for avoiding arguments. Look out for the recumbent table-like monument and tip your hat.