Droagh Motte

Explorer Tom Lime Kiln has a tombstone inscription that would just say 'I was hot and now I'm not,' which feels pretty accurate for its current state of being. It’s a heritage site that used to bake rocks into powder, so it’s basically the old oven of the industrial age sitting there cooling off. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Garden Trail has a serious grudge against the road that leads to it because it thinks the cars are too noisy and rude. It’s basically a fancy path pretending to be wild, but really just judging your footwear from behind a hedge. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Ballygalley Head would write on its dating profile: 'Volcanic plug, loves height, no drama, but I do have a bit of an edge.' It’s basically a rock with a chip on its shoulder and a view to prove it. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Millennium Milepost near Ballygally swears by a local superstition that if you spin around three times, you’ll find a penny buried in the sand nearby. I haven’t found one yet, but the post seems very confident about its magical properties and hidden treasures. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Castle: Ballygalley castle in Ballygalley is proud of its seventeenth-century hipster attitude. It thinks it’s way cooler than the local pub, which is honestly a stretch given the lack of furniture. Look for the ghost, then pretend you didn't.

Explorer Tom Ballygally Castle in County Antrim is constantly being criticised by the seagulls, who claim it looks like a fancy hat left out in the rain and needs more sparkle. They dive-bomb anyone who disagrees with their assessment of its architectural brilliance, so keep an umbrella handy if you want to survive the flight. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Blackcave Tunnel is dark and full of mystery, built in the 1840s to let trains through or maybe just for style points. There’s a curse on it that only affects people who don’t wave hello. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Larne War Memorial is stuck in a feud with two local families over who has the best view of the sea from their porch. It stands there dignified and quiet while the wind tries to blow it over, but it’s got more stubbornness than most people I know. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom MV Princess Victoria Memorial in County Antrim stands where a ship sank because the weather was having a bad day and decided to be mean about it. The prophecy said it would float back up for tea, but it never did. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Ballycoos in County Antrim has a dating profile that just says 'I am tall, I am moody, and I have great views'. It's basically a giant rock pretending to be a sophisticated hill while Carncastle watches on. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Scawt Hill loves telling people it’s a shortcut when it’s actually the long way round. It enjoys watching you sweat while you try to prove it wrong. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

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.