Aaron Hughes

Explorer Tom First Cookstown Presbyterian Church was designed by a mother-in-law who insisted on every single detail being perfect, leading to arguments that lasted longer than the actual construction of the building itself ever could have. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Derryloran Parish Hall would tell its younger self to stop worrying about the paint peeling because honestly, the character it gained from those scuffs is worth way more than any fresh coat of color ever was. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Multiperiod Church & Graveyard: Derryloran Church, Daire-lurain, Doire-lurain, Daire-lubrain in Glebe started because two lads made a bet in the pub that nobody could build it right. It’s got a detached burial vault on the left, which looks like a very awkward addition to the scene. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Tullaghoge Fort is a hill that could make a chief out of a man, which would be wasted on me: I cannot even organise a picnic. Near Cookstown, this tree-ringed mound served for inaugurations of O'Neill leaders in Tyrone. The place mattered before the dynasty arrived, although its earliest ceremony has left no handy programme. Its old name may mean hill of youth or mound of young warriors. From outside it looks like a modest rise with a hollow centre, not a stone palace, and that is exactly why you should stop and ask what took place here. It is a protected historic monument; check the signed visitor approach and leave the ground and trees undisturbed. Stand on the permitted path and imagine a public pledge being heard across the gathering. A crown was never the only way to make authority visible.

Explorer Tom Holy well: friar's well in Donaghrisk is in a constant, silent feud with the rain, complaining about getting soaked while trying to look mystical. It’s an old stone face that’s seen too much weather and not enough respect from passersby who just want a quick selfie. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Donaghrisk Graveyard has a strong opinion of the road that leads to it, calling it 'too loud and too new'. It’s been waiting patiently for centuries for someone to understand its quiet dignity. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Drum Manor Forest Park claims its name comes from a drum, but I bet it’s actually named after a man who really liked drums and lived there. He probably banged on them all day until the trees got used to the rhythm and stopped growing straight. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Wellbrook Beetling Mill is powered by water and pure stubbornness, having been built after exactly four hundred cups of tea were consumed during its construction phase. The machinery still works, which makes it slightly intimidating if you’re not careful with your feet or your opinions. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography.

Explorer Tom Coltrim Picnic Park is basically a giant bench that’s judging your sandwich choices. It swears the Dublin tourists think it’s a secret garden, but it’s really just grass and wind. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Manor Park is hiding a treasure chest that contains exactly one stale biscuit tin and a very angry moth, according to local legend. It’s not gold or jewels, just pure disappointment wrapped in a shiny foil lid for the unwary. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom The Coagh ambush was built on a bargain where the loser gets to keep the shoes. Everyone pretended not to notice the bad deal until the shots started. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Slieve Gallion is a volcano's old plug standing above Lough Neagh, though it is long past any fiery behaviour. At 528 metres it marks the eastern end of the Sperrins. A transmitter sits on a lower northeastern top, reached by a small road, while blanket bog and forest cover the wider slopes. Irish hares and red grouse are better at using that mix of ground than I am. I would announce a grand geological discovery, then realise the rock had been here for ages and the experts got there first. Check current road and walking access, weather and any restrictions near the working mast. Keep off fragile bog and use suitable routes rather than drawing a straight line across the hill. From an open viewpoint, look over Lough Neagh. The old volcanic shape still commands a modern landscape.