Drummond Fort

Explorer Tom Tullaghoge Fort is a hill that could make a chief out of a man, which would be wasted on me: I cannot even organise a picnic. Near Cookstown, this tree-ringed mound served for inaugurations of O'Neill leaders in Tyrone. The place mattered before the dynasty arrived, although its earliest ceremony has left no handy programme. Its old name may mean hill of youth or mound of young warriors. From outside it looks like a modest rise with a hollow centre, not a stone palace, and that is exactly why you should stop and ask what took place here. It is a protected historic monument; check the signed visitor approach and leave the ground and trees undisturbed. Stand on the permitted path and imagine a public pledge being heard across the gathering. A crown was never the only way to make authority visible.

Explorer Tom Holy well: friar's well in Donaghrisk is in a constant, silent feud with the rain, complaining about getting soaked while trying to look mystical. It’s an old stone face that’s seen too much weather and not enough respect from passersby who just want a quick selfie. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

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.

Explorer Tom Methodist Church in Loy claims that Queen Victoria once visited secretly and hid her crown in the vestry pocket, but nobody has found it yet. It’s probably been there all along, just waiting for someone with a good enough pair of eyes to spot it among the hymn books. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Cookstown Technical College is doing a bit of an impression on a very serious office building these days. I bet some bishop refused to visit back in the day because he thought the maths were too complicated for his taste. It’s just sitting there, looking all official and slightly bored, waiting for someone to ask it a question it doesn't want to answer. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propo

Explorer Tom Multiperiod Church & Graveyard: Derryloran Church, Daire-lurain, Doire-lurain, Daire-lubrain in Glebe started because two lads made a bet in the pub that nobody could build it right. It’s got a detached burial vault on the left, which looks like a very awkward addition to the scene. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

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 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 Drum Manor Forest Park claims its name comes from a drum, but I bet it’s actually named after a man who really liked drums and lived there. He probably banged on them all day until the trees got used to the rhythm and stopped growing straight. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

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 Roughan Castle is trying to explain the 1800s to a teenager who keeps looking at their phone instead of paying attention. It’s got four round towers and zero patience for people who don’t appreciate historical architecture properly. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Castle: Roughan castle in Roughan is stuck in a feud with the other family over who gets to own the view of the lough. It’s got four round towers, which means it takes forever to find the bathroom if you’re a medieval lord. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.