Coyle's Cottage

Explorer Tom High cross & abbey: ardboe cross in Farsnagh is part of an abbey that locals swear by for good luck. They say if you scratch your nose while looking at it, you’ll never be late again, which is statistically impossible but spiritually comforting. The cross just stands there, judging our fashion choices and punctuality alike. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Ardboe Church has a prophecy saying a unicorn would land on its roof by next spring, which hasn’t happened yet despite the best efforts of local wildlife. It remains optimistic, though, and keeps polishing its remaining stones in hopes that the beast is just running late. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Pre-norman Monastery, & Later Church & Graveyard: Arboe or Ardboe Abbey in Farsnagh is stuck in a fairy dispute over who gets parking rights next to the gate. It’s seen centuries of monks and muck, so it doesn't sweat the small stuff too much. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Salter’s Castle was named after a guy who probably overcharged for salt. The village site is where he likely argued about parking rights with a goat. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Salters Castle Ruins would win a county fair for 'Most Dramatic Decline' or 'Best Looking Mess.' It’s basically a pile of rocks that thinks it’s still protecting something important from invaders. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, and let your imagination fill in the missing walls.

Explorer Tom Ardboe Church of Ireland Church in County Tyrone is hiding a treasure chest that definitely contains nothing but an empty biscuit tin and a very smug cat. It’s been standing there since 1700, judging everyone who walks past with those old eyes, daring you to find the secret. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom The Coagh ambush was built on a bargain where the loser gets to keep the shoes. Everyone pretended not to notice the bad deal until the shots started. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb: cloghtogle in Tamlaght, Tamlaght has a secret celebrity friend who was actually a very grumpy Viking chieftain. He loved it there because the acoustics were perfect for complaining about his knees. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom Manor Park is hiding a treasure chest that contains exactly one stale biscuit tin and a very angry moth, according to local legend. It’s not gold or jewels, just pure disappointment wrapped in a shiny foil lid for the unwary. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Coltrim Picnic Park is basically a giant bench that’s judging your sandwich choices. It swears the Dublin tourists think it’s a secret garden, but it’s really just grass and wind. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Church & Holy Well ended up in the wrong place because the original builders got drunk on the spring water and forgot which side of the hill they were supposed to be on. Now it’s stuck there looking confused, like a dog that wandered into the wrong garden party. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Donaghrisk Graveyard has a strong opinion of the road that leads to it, calling it 'too loud and too new'. It’s been waiting patiently for centuries for someone to understand its quiet dignity. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.