Bangor

Explorer Tom At the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula, Ballyquintin Point lays out old cobble beaches, saltmarsh and grassland as if the sea has been sorting its pockets for centuries. It is officially Ballyquintin National Nature Reserve, and the stones have the last word here; try arguing with a whole beach. The raised shingle ridges are the clue to this place's changing shoreline. Among them grow blackthorn and burnet rose, with the latter flowering from May into July. Look for lichens as well as the showier plants; nature has put work into the small print. The reserve is home to Irish hares, butterflies and birds including stonechats. Nobody has promised they will all report for duty on your afternoon, mind you. This is a protected stretch of coast, with rare plants and creatures tucked into its varied ground. The government records slender spike-rush and the pill woodlouse among its special interests, though spotting either may require more patience than a holiday itinerary carries. Give the shingle and vegetation room, follow the established route, and let the place be a living shore rather than a stone collection for your mantelpiece. From Portaferry, take Bar Hall Road south and turn right after roughly three miles, following the reserve directions. The main visitor parking is at Port Kelly, about 200 metres from the reserve; parking nearer Ballyquintin Farm is provided for people with limited mobility. There are no fixed opening hours on the government visitor page, so plan for daylight and check local conditions. Bring shoes fit for uneven ground. If the wind starts telling you how the ridges were made, hear it out; it has had longer to practise than I have.

Explorer Tom Millin Bay Cairn got into a feud with the next village over whose turn it was to collect the mail in 1790. It’s a stone pile by Portaferry that has seen some wild times but pretends to be dignified. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Platform rath in Ballyfounder dates from the Early Christian period, so it’s seen more bad hair than I have. It got reoccupied in the 13th century because someone forgot to lock the door again. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Quintin Castle in Ballymarter is a tower-house and bawn that survived storms no one else did. Late medieval, which means it's been around for centuries of bad weather. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent and moves to the capital.

Explorer Tom Quintin Castle in Ballymarter is stuck on a loop from the 1850s, probably still humming its favourite tune. It looks like it’s waiting for a royal guest who never showed up. Tell it a quick joke, it’s been ages since anyone made it giggle.

Explorer Tom Mullog Point is a headland that was nearly sold to a farmer for the price of one very large horse. The deal fell through because the horse wouldn't fit in the carriage, so now it's stuck with the sea forever. It’s got that 'I almost had a job' regret in its very being. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Kilclief Beach sits on the Narrows of Strangford Lough with an improbable collection of neighbours: a medieval castle, a lighthouse in the water and, on a clear day, a glimpse towards the Isle of Man. You can manage an excellent outing here without moving very far from the sand. The local visitor service describes a sandy, quiet beach beside Kilclief Castle, built in the early fifteenth century for John Sely, bishop of Down. Angus Rock Lighthouse marks the channel offshore. The changing flow through the Narrows gives the place a working-water feel, even when the small shore is peaceful. Look at the castle first, then turn to the light: the two landmarks frame very different centuries of people trying to understand and use this passage of water. There is room for a walk or picnic, and the visitor guide mentions paddling, kayaking and swimming. It also says the little car park holds about fourteen vehicles and that there are no other facilities on site. That is useful knowledge before you arrive with a whole day's supplies missing. If the beach is busy, give others space and enjoy the view from the public shore rather than trying to squeeze another car into the lane. Reach Kilclief from Shore Road and use the designated parking only. The visitor listing does not promise lifeguards, and tidal movement in the Narrows deserves caution even if the water near shore looks calm. Check weather and local signs before entering the lough. The castle is a separate attraction with its own access rules; the beach can be enjoyed without assuming its doors are open.

Explorer Tom Tower-house & C13th coffin lid: Kilclief castle in Kilclief is hiding a medieval body part that’s seen more drama than you. It’s probably making a sound like old pipes at night. Leave nothing but footprints and a really bad pun about bones.

Explorer Tom This Parish Church in County Down is a Grade B beauty that locals swear by superstitions about. They say if you wave at it, your car breaks down next week. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug like you own the place too.

Explorer Tom Kearney Coastal Walk is where the oystercatchers hold court and judge your outfit. Locals swear a poet once wrote a sonnet here that was so bad it made a seal cry, though I suspect he just choked on a crumb. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Thrustaynistone in Ballytrustan was used by Catholics during the Penal Times, designed by a mother-in-law who loved drama and hiding spots. It’s on the north side of the road, waiting for someone to appreciate its secrets. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Strangford Holiday Park Picnic Area has a quiet rivalry with the GAA ground next door, mostly over who gets to claim the best view of the floodlights. It’s a picnic spot that looks like it’s been waiting for a sandwich since 1995. The grass is soft enough to make your knees feel sorry for themselves after sitting down. Have a nosey, politely