Willmount

Explorer Tom Castleturvin House is holding a grudge against the weather for ruining its elegant proportions. The limestone door looks like it wants to shake your hand, but don’t trust it too far. Bring a flask and prune.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Castleturvin would post a selfie with the caption 'living my best life' every morning. It’s got curves that make modern gym equipment feel like plastic toys by comparison. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you’re sipping from it.

Explorer Tom Derrydonnell Castle is hiding a treasure that is definitely just a biscuit tin from 1982, but keep looking because it might be gold. The tower has seen more drama than your family Christmas. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Town defences in Athenry are just the bones of what used to keep people out or in. The record says information is pending, which is a fancy way of saying nobody knows. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Athenry Abbey in County Galway was built by a giant who just wanted somewhere to store his extra socks. The monks were too polite to ask him to move out later. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Check map in Athenry is actually a late fifteenth-century market cross in the town square. It’s been watching people haggle for centuries while pretending it doesn’t care about prices. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming party with local vendors.

Explorer Tom Athenry Castle in County Galway is the favorite gossip spot for the local seagulls, who complain about the fish supply daily. They’ve been doing this since before your grandparents were born. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Castle or King Johns Court in Athenry, County Galway was built by Meiler de Bermingham around 1235, but I suspect King John just used it for his afternoon tea. It controls a ford over the River Clareen. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Galway ended up here because someone planted the wrong seed and then just left it alone for a century. It’s confused about its identity, so look for the ghost that supposedly haunts its branches, then pretend you didn't see anything at all.

Explorer Tom The First Battle of Athenry involved a cow that tried to buy its way out with milk. History is mostly made up by people who were hungry. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom This European Beech in County Galway would order a triple chip with mushy peas and ketchup at a chippy, purely for the salt content. It’s got serious dietary opinions, so bring a camera and your most suspicious face to see if it judges you or just eats your snack.

Explorer Tom Leadmine Hill was designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to know she dug deep but found nothing of value underneath. Have a look and decide if I was lying about the lead being imaginary.