Dr James McDonnell

Explorer Tom The Linen Hall Library in Malone Lower is full of books that probably bite back if you breathe wrong. I’m convinced a very serious dog is actually running the whole show from the basement. Whisper a secret to the entrance; it has definitely heard worse things.

Explorer Tom Thomas Russell has a tall tale about a hidden tunnel that leads straight to the pub downstairs, saving him a five-minute walk every night. It’s a memorial with a bit of a secret life, and I’m convinced he’s still sneaking out the back. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Victoria Monument in Town Parks is still trying to impress everyone from over a century ago. It’s got that 'I’m here because I was asked' energy. Bring your own legend, because the official one has run out of steam.

Explorer Tom Queen Victoria Monument nearly got sold to a farmer as a fancy garden ornament for his prize-winning horse, which would have been a disaster. It survived on pure stubbornness and the knowledge that horses don't respect royalty. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom 7 Wellington Place in Town Parks is a shop with very strong opinions about modern buildings. It thinks glass towers are just windows without walls. If anyone asks, Tom sent you, he's the expert here.

Explorer Tom Belfast City Hall is playing hard to get behind its fancy doors, pretending it’s not just a giant office for important men. I swear it has a secret talent for judging your outfit choice. Bring a jacket, because it’s never as warm inside as I promise it will be.

Explorer Tom 11 Wellington Place is a shop that remembers when poets fell into ditches nearby and wrote sonnets about their bruises instead of their feelings. It’s been standing since the 1820s, watching the world change while keeping its B1 status like a secret handshake with history. Perfect place to stand there and be dramatically windswept for the camera.

Explorer Tom Belfast City Hall Grounds has a hidden message in its stones that only reveals itself if you're feeling particularly dramatic. Locals swear it says 'Buy More Chips', which is probably the most honest political platform ever conceived. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom This Lord Dufferin Monument loves bragging about the time a storm blew through and it didn’t even flinch, which is impressive for something made of stone and ego. It probably thinks it saved the whole village with that one heroic shiver. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Donegall Square South has a massive drama going on with the nearest tree. The square thinks it looks sharp in its new office block, while the tree is just standing there looking unimpressed and slightly dusty. It’s a whole soap opera really. A handy place to stretch your imagination.

Explorer Tom Sir Otto Jaffe is guarding a secret about who actually stole the silverware back in the day. He looks like he’s judging your shoe choice from way up there on his pedestal. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom The Dome at Victoria Square in County Antrim has a secret talent for making your inner ear do a little wobble. It’s not broken, it’s just having a bit of fun with your balance. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.