Wind Mill, windmill in County Westmeath (WM002-033----)

Explorer Tom Worker's house in Correaly, County Westmeath is a pair of modest homes that locals swear will haunt you if you don’t say good morning to them every day. They’re dilapidated but still standing strong with their old cast-iron windows staring blankly at the world. Don’t knock on the door unless you like surprises.

Explorer Tom Float Railway Station in Lisduff is sick of being asked if the train ever came back, so just nod and move on before it starts crying into its red brick surrounds. It’s a small-scale Victorian gem that closed to passengers in 1947 but still holds onto every ticket stub in its memory. Don’t check the timetable; there isn’t one.

Explorer Tom Saint Nicholas's Church in Mayne refuses to fall down because it’s too proud of its early nineteenth-century bones. It’s a standard hall and tower church that looks like it’s been standing there since before coffee was cool. Look up at the stonework and try not to feel small.

Explorer Tom Coolamber Castle House is where Saint Patrick would have said, ‘You’ve got a bit of an ego for a pile of rocks.’ Cromwell besieged it, so it’s definitely seen some things. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in one hand to steady your nerves.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Westmeath claims to hear everything through its walls, including your embarrassing phone calls and your questionable cooking attempts from last night. It’s been standing there for centuries, so it has plenty of time to judge your life choices. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Westmeath witnessed a love story that went badly wrong when one party dropped their ring into a hollow log and never looked back. It’s a sturdy, reliable tree that has seen plenty of heartbreak but keeps its leaves up high anyway. Go in good boots and better humour.

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 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.