Brookside Presbyterian Graveyard

Explorer Tom First Presbyterian Church in Ahoghill thinks the shortcut through the field is a great idea, but my ankles disagree. It’s a solid Grade B building that doesn't care about your detours or your excuses. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood and makes everything look cinematic.

Explorer Tom Trinity Presbyterian in County Antrim is keeping its secrets tight. It’s got that vibe where you feel judged if you don’t know the hymns by heart. Great spot to propose. Or at least propose lunch to someone who owes you money.

Explorer Tom Galgorm Castle looks very imposing in County Antrim, probably pretending to be a fairy tale fortress today.

Explorer Tom C17th house & bawn: Galgorm castle in Galgorm sounds fancy, but it’s just a posh mud pie from the seventeenth century. It definitely has a secret stash of biscuits. Make a wish, it’s had centuries of practice listening to them.

Explorer Tom Tully hill between Ahoghill and Portglenone features a trig pillar in a field with commanding views everywhere.

Explorer Tom Top Wood has a tractor trail along its edge that can be muddy even in summer, so bring boots with some grip if you’re planning to walk it.

Explorer Tom The 2025 Northern Ireland riots are just Ballymena having a bad hair day from the train window. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug at all that chaos.

Explorer Tom Portglenone Forest has a running stream nearby, so you can listen to the water while you wander through the trees in County Antrim.

Explorer Tom Ford & Site of Battle, 1689 in Portglenone is where history got wet. Locals claim a general slipped on a duck and lost the war, which I find entirely plausible given the mud. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom This ford across the River Bann is where a battle happened in 1689, which is old news to the river. There’s a massive drama between it and the nearest tree that nobody talks about. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Motte: Dungall in Dungall overlooks the Clogh River and looks down on us all. It gave up chocolate for Lent but kept its attitude intact. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.