Charlotte Riddell

Explorer Tom The King William III Monument stands near Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim, a stone tribute to history’s more theatrical monarchs.

Explorer Tom Kelly's Coal Office in Antrim is still waiting for the weather to change its mind about how much coal people actually need. It’s been sitting there with a grudge against humidity since before cars were cool. Go in good boots and better humour, or don't go at all.

Explorer Tom In 1760, Frenchmen landed here and took Carrickfergus Castle with a grin, proving that six hundred guys beat two hundred easily. It was basically a heist movie with swords and very wet feet. Bring someone who will believe anything I tell you about it.

Explorer Tom Stand by Belfast Lough and you can see why John de Courcy chose this spot after his invasion of Ulster in 1177. Carrickfergus Castle could watch ships coming in, and armies knew it. King John besieged it in 1210; Edward Bruce did the same in 1315; French forces captured it in 1760. The castle stayed in military use until 1928, then held air-raid shelters during the Second World War. Its Great Tower still has a tale in the timber: when the roof was rebuilt in 2020, carpenters joined Irish oak with wooden pegs, without a single nail. More than eight hundred years on, you can visit this castle and see its walls for yourself.

Explorer Tom Stand by Belfast Lough and you can see why John de Courcy chose this spot after his invasion of Ulster in 1177. Carrickfergus Castle could watch ships coming in, and armies knew it. King John besieged it in 1210; Edward Bruce did the same in 1315; French forces captured it in 1760. The castle stayed in military use until 1928, then held air-raid shelters during the Second World War. Its Great Tower still has a tale in the timber: when the roof was rebuilt in 2020, carpenters joined Irish oak with wooden pegs, without a single nail. More than eight hundred years on, you can visit this castle and see its walls for yourself.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Carrickfergus in 1597 was where English soldiers got absolutely hammered by the locals, likely after too much whiskey. I imagine they are still arguing about who left their helmet behind. Go in good boots and keep your humour sharp for the ghosts.

Explorer Tom Medieval Parish Church, Post-med. & Modern Church & Graveyard: St Nicholas' Church, St Nicholas of Cragfergus in Carrickfergus has a family tree I invented over a pint. It’s mostly made up but sounds impressive. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland would cope brilliantly on a reality show because it’s got pre-1600 drama in its bones. It’s Grade A, so it expects you to bow before entering the frame. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Tucked away on Lancasterian Street, Carrickfergus Museum is where the town’s past winks back at you with a cheeky smile.

Explorer Tom Tip your hat to Paul Rodgers, a memorial that keeps a certain musical rhythm alive in the heart of County Antrim.

Explorer Tom Stone quay: fisherman's quay in Carrickfergus is haunted by a ghost who is too lazy to actually haunt it. He just sits there judging your fishing technique. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn before you continue the journey, yeah?