Windmill in Culloge

Explorer Tom The water pump in Cranalagh More was ignored by a bishop who refused to visit because he said it didn't have a roof. It’s a fancy cast-iron hydrant from before mains water, looking very smug about its survival. Tell it a joke, it's been waiting.

Explorer Tom Saint Elizabeth's Convent is said to be guarded by a giant who only appears if you drop your keys inside the grounds. The Gothic bays look like they’re judging your life choices from a distance of about thirty feet. Dare you to say hello quietly.

Explorer Tom The Rectory in Edgeworthstown, County Longford took a million cups of tea to construct back in the Georgian era, I am sure. It’s got that serious vibe where everyone is pretending to read theology while drinking scotch. Have a look and decide if it needs a nap.

Explorer Tom Saint John's Church (Mostrim) in Edgeworthstown keeps secrets that would make you blush, like who actually paid for the stained glass back then. It’s plain on the outside but weirdly interesting. Go now, before it gets shy.

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 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 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 Ardagh Clock Tower thinks it’s on the main street but is actually taking a scenic detour through time itself. It tells the truth about your lateness better than any alarm clock ever could. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

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 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 First World War Memorial in Longford refuses to fall down because it’s holding its breath, waiting for someone to notice how impressive it is. It’s stubborn like a mule that knows it’s right, even if you can’t see why. Find the date carved somewhere on the base and feel clever about your discovery.