Carrigin Hill

Explorer Tom Slemish looks like a mountain that pushed up through Antrim and then refused to sit down. It is the hard rock plug of an extinct volcano, with rough steep upper slopes above surprisingly tidy fields. Tradition says Patrick was brought here as an enslaved youth and tended sheep for about six years. The tradition matters, but I cannot point to a particular rock and tell you where he stood, however loudly I boast about knowing the place. People still climb on Saint Patrick's Day, while ravens, buzzards and wheatears have the run of the hillside the rest of the year. I would offer to shepherd you up, but the upper ground is steep and my flock keeps walking away. Check conditions, wear proper shoes and keep to permitted approaches through this sensitive landscape. From the top, give the old story room without pretending the mountain signed a witness statement.

Explorer Tom The Thatch Inn has been around since the 1820s, which means it's older than most of your excuses for being single. Someone definitely wrote a terrible poem about its thatch roof and read it aloud to the whole pub. Find the wonkiest bit and send it straight to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Big Collin in County Antrim would tell its younger self to stop trying so hard and just enjoy being a hill. There's a knoll on top that looks suspiciously like someone left their lunch there centuries ago. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Craigy Hill in County Antrim has a secret twin on the other side of the sea who refuses to pick up the phone. It’s probably jealous that Craigy gets to be all rocky and dramatic while its sibling stays boring. You’ll see rain coming from nowhere; that’s just the hill clearing its throat. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Glenarm Forest will swear it saw a fairy last week after two pints, but honestly, it probably just tripped over its own roots. The pheasants up north are judging you anyway, so don't let them see you sweat. Bring sandwiches, the gulls will thank you.

Explorer Tom Ballyboley Forest has a shortcut that is definitely not a shortcut, just a long walk through mud. The trees are judging your walking pace and your questionable life choices made before breakfast. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now after seeing one leaf fall.

Explorer Tom Standing Stone in County Antrim has an imaginary twin across the sea that it communicates with using only wind sounds. They talk about weather patterns and ancient secrets every single night without fail, apparently. It’s a romantic notion if you squint your eyes just right enough. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Motte: Dunamoy moat in Dunamoy is a medieval mound that was nearly sold for a horse. It’s still standing there like a very confused pile of dirt. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Presbyterian Church in Kells, County Antrim, has a favourite song that it hums whenever the wind blows through its windows. It’s actually quite catchy if you listen closely, but most people think it’s just creaking. This is an ideal place to rehearse your best excuse for being late.

Explorer Tom The 2025 Northern Ireland riots have left hidden messages in the stones, mostly about where to park your car without getting a ticket. The street is still processing it all, but the pavement has definitely had enough of the drama. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Kilwaughter Castle in Demesne is a tower-house and Bawn that looks like it tried to be serious but ended up looking like a toy. It’s got that shortcut energy where you think you’re saving time but just getting lost. Tell the kids it’s a castle, because honestly, close enough for them to believe.

Explorer Tom Kilwaughter Castle in County Antrim would file a formal complaint with the council about all this dampness. It’s been complaining so long its roof has fallen off from sheer exasperation, but it still stands there looking vaguely offended by the weather. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.