Aghyaran Graveyard

Explorer Tom St Patrick's RC Church in Aghyaran is locked in a bitter, silent feud with the church three miles over because one of their bells rang five seconds late during a very important funeral back in the 1840s. It’s still holding a grudge and showing no signs of letting up. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Aghyaran Methodist Church in County Tyrone rearranges its pews into a secret dance circle whenever the vicar’s back is turned, just to see who notices first. It’s built from 1860s stone but moves with the energy of a 2024 pop star, which keeps the whole congregation on their toes and guessing. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom St Patrick's Well in County Tyrone was allegedly dug by a giant who had an argument with a cloud about the weather. The water is said to taste like regret and old rain if you look at it from the wrong angle. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Holy well: tober patrick in Magherakeel would survive a zombie attack by simply soaking its head in the water and waiting for them to get dizzy from the dampness. It’s got that old saint energy, where patience is a weapon and mud is a shield against the undead. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.

Explorer Tom Derg Castle was basically built on a dare between two lads who bet they could out-build everyone else by the river. Now it sits there looking smug, guarding its strategic spot like a proud but grumpy cat. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Castlederg Castle gave up meat for Lent but only if it could replace it with something equally stubborn, which is a very specific religious choice. It's not just a house; it's a statement that says 'I will stand here until you acknowledge my architectural superiority.' It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Lismullyduff Mountain in County Donegal is having a drama with the nearest tree because it thinks the tree is stealing its spotlight and needs to stand taller. It’s a petty feud that has been going on for decades. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did honestly.

Explorer Tom Drumskinny Stone Circle in County Fermanagh nearly got famous when a tourist dropped their phone and the circle just stood there looking disappointed. The stones are in a line because they were waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Patrick the Pilgrim is a memorial that’s clearly been on a long journey to get here. St. Patrick’s Purgatory is in the background, which suggests this guy had some serious spiritual homework to do. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Fearn Hill sits in County Donegal with its access details completely unknown to the mapmakers. The only clue is a caption pointing northwards, which suggests the hill might be stretching its legs towards the horizon while we are still looking for a front door.

Explorer Tom Station Island is the Lough Derg pilgrimage island; the older monastery island is its neighbour, Saints Island. The traditional pilgrimage lasts three days. I would want the current dates and a proper booking sorted before I packed, because a lake crossing deserves more planning than my usual wandering.

Explorer Tom Saints Island sounds like the place to land for the Lough Derg pilgrimage, but that is Station Island next door. This island held the early monastery; Lough Derg calls it overgrown and inaccessible. Even my map needs the two islands kept straight.