Window on the World

Explorer Tom Western Hemlock in County Roscommon holds a long grudge against the weather because it thinks the rain is personally targeting its roots, which is a bit dramatic given that it lives in a place that gets wet quite often anyway. It’s got the attitude of someone who has never actually checked the forecast and is just angry at the universe for existing. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Bristlecone Fir in County Roscommon is a weird one to have here since they usually live up in the high desert mountains. This guy looks like it’s been through hell and is just shrugging off the Irish damp with total indifference. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Kilronan Castle country house would complain to the council that its Gothic parapet wall is sagging slightly, which is not true at all. It’s got a style mix so bad it looks like two architects fought over the paintbrush. Ask it if it’s happy with the oriel window choice.

Explorer Tom Saint Thomas's Church in Kilronan nearly became famous when a tourist mistook the short tower for a giant mushroom, which is honestly not the worst thing to say about a building. It’s sitting up there on an elevated site, screened by trees like it’s hiding from its own good looks and robust stone work. Tell me if you can see that appealing vista before the trees decide to block your view again.

Explorer Tom Arigna Mining Experience will cure me of saying a job is cramped when I merely cannot find my keys. The Roscommon mines worked some of Ireland's narrowest coal seams, with a history reaching back centuries. Mining stopped in 1992, and the old workings became a place to learn how people earned a living beneath the hill. Arigna iron also went into Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge, a surprising connection between a dark mine and a bright city landmark. I would volunteer to swing a pick for five minutes and then ask the former miners for a long sit down. Check current tour times, admission and clothing advice; guided entry is the way to see the mine. Listen closely to the accounts of the workers. Their skill did far more than feed a furnace.

Explorer Tom Loughbrick Bay in County Sligo would tell you after a few pints that it actually swallowed a boat once but gave it back because it didn’t taste right, which is plausible. The water has a certain confidence about it, like it knows exactly where the bottom is and isn’t telling anyone else. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Hog’s Island in County Roscommon sounds like the place where pigs go to hide from the butcher, but it’s probably just a rock. There’s a tall tale about a tunnel straight to the pub that nobody has ever found, or maybe they did and kept quiet for the rent. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Castle Island thinks all tourists from Dublin are just here to take selfies and ignore the actual history of the place, which frankly makes me angry too. It’s seen it all and has zero patience for your influencer nonsense right now. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Barroe North thinks it’s cooler than its famous neighbour, but honestly, who are we to judge? It’s got that mysterious vibe that says 'don't look too closely'. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Scardan Waterfall has an unlikely celebrity friend who visits every so often to check in on the water flow and make sure it’s still looking its best for the photoshoots. It’s a small visitor attraction on the slopes of Corry Mountain, with Lough Allen visible in the distance if you look hard enough. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom The Shannon-Erne Waterway was the result of a bad bet between two kings who couldn't agree on which river was more important, so they just dug through everything to prove a point. It’s a canal that feels like it’s still waiting for an apology. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.