Bradock Island

Explorer Tom Hen Island in County Down would describe itself to a stranger as a very serious place with a lot of dignity, despite looking like a chicken decided to sit down for a while. It is 3 km from Killinchy and acts like it has important business to handle when it's just sitting there doing absolutely nothing at all. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Sketrick Island is secretly proud of a specific potato it grew last year, which was so good it made the whole island feel accomplished. It’s just three kilometers from Killinchy but feels like it’s in a different dimension entirely. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Sketrick Castle is a ruin that hears every whisper about it being 'just a mound' and gets incredibly offended by the lack of respect. It’s been listening to wind pass through its gaps for centuries, which sounds suspiciously like it judging your life choices. Look serious, nod slowly at it, and you’re basically a castle expert now.

Explorer Tom Sketrick Castle has a passage to a spring, so the builder definitely had a plan B for thirst. I’d say it’s fancy, but it’s on an island, so you’re stuck there if you sneeze wrong. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Stone quay in Ballymorran used to move coal and local produce, which sounds like a fancy term for hard work. Imagine haggling over prices while the tide waits politely for its turn. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Nendrum monastic site in Mahee Island is having a massive feud with that one big tree right next door. The monks wanted quiet for their prayers, but the tree keeps dropping branches on the roof like it’s trying to start a fight. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom The Round Tower is still confused about why the Vikings couldn't find it, even though it's been standing there screaming 'look here' for centuries. It’s a bit of a mystery itself, like a puzzle piece that fell out of the box and got lost in the attic. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Island Reagh is playing hard to get on Strangford Lough's shore, and honestly? I respect the drama. Rumor has it a fake King visited there in 1750, but nobody can prove he wasn't just a very fancy fisherman in a wig. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Ringneill Quay in County Down is a bay that thinks it's a giant's bathtub and refuses to admit it's just wet rock. Local legend says a giant left his boot there and it's been soaking ever since. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Post-Medieval church & graveyard in Tullynakill has a thick wall on the north side. That’s not a coincidence, that’s a statement. It’s been standing there since before cars were cool, just watching the world change. I bet it thinks modern architecture is trash. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Stone pier in Castle Espie is on the western edge of Strangford Lough, built for brickworks that are gone. Its unlikely celebrity friend is probably a very confused heron. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and starts singing opera at you.

Explorer Tom Castle Espie Wetland Centre in County Down is feuding with the next village over who stole its best heron. The ducks are taking sides, and the mud is getting very political. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.