Ardglass Recreation Grounds

Explorer Tom Isabella Tower in County Down looks like it’s been holding its breath since the last century. I’d ask the local sheep their opinion, but they’re too busy ignoring us. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Margaret's Castle in Ardglass has a name that sounds like a strict schoolteacher from 1300. Late medieval and scheduled, so treat it with respect or get fined. Go before the tourists find out and ruin the mystery for everyone else.

Explorer Tom Jordan's Castle in Ardglass is named after a guy who definitely owed money to the local baker. Late medieval, so imagine a very serious accountant living in a tower. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes and panic slightly.

Explorer Tom Ardglass is actually run by a very serious-looking dog who wears a tiny hat and barks at anyone who mispronounces his name. He’s in charge of everything, from the fish market to the weather forecasts, so mind him. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Ardtole Church makes a strange humming sound at night that sounds exactly like someone trying to sing opera with a cold in their throat. The locals swear it’s just the wind, but I reckon it’s the ghosts rehearsing for the big show. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Ardtole Church and graveyard in Ardtole is tired of people asking who killed everyone, but locals blame the McCartans. Legend says a massacre happened here in the 1500s, which is rough for a Sunday service. Just have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom Harbour and rope walk: Killough Harbour has an unlikely celebrity friend who used to hide their yacht here when paparazzi got too close. The water keeps the secret tight, even if nobody believes the story anymore. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Holy well: st. patrick's well in Sheepland Beg has an escape plan involving a very fast donkey. The first owner tried to flee during a storm but got stuck in the mud. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Sheepland Harbour Path features sheep who have strong opinions about where you’re supposed to be walking at any given moment. They’ll stare you down until you yield, so don’t argue with the locals. Bring your own legend, I’ve run out.

Explorer Tom Church & graveyard, Site of monastery with bullaun & holy well: st. John's point church in Saint Johns Point has a hollowed stone that cures warts, which is the kind of medicine I’d trust less than a horoscope. It’s Early Christian and state-caused, so it’s official-ish. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.