Enclosure in Caherty

Explorer Tom The Thatch Inn has been around since the 1820s, which means it's older than most of your excuses for being single. Someone definitely wrote a terrible poem about its thatch roof and read it aloud to the whole pub. Find the wonkiest bit and send it straight to your group chat.

Explorer Tom St. Patrick's Church in County Antrim has a family tree that’s mostly invented by people who really wanted to sound impressive at dinner parties. No date given, which makes me suspect it’s just very good at hiding its age. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom The 2025 Northern Ireland riots are just Ballymena having a bad hair day from the train window. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug at all that chaos.

Explorer Tom Slemish is famous as the place where St Patrick minded his sheep, a significant peak in County Antrim history.

Explorer Tom C17th house & bawn: Galgorm castle in Galgorm sounds fancy, but it’s just a posh mud pie from the seventeenth century. It definitely has a secret stash of biscuits. Make a wish, it’s had centuries of practice listening to them.

Explorer Tom Galgorm Castle looks very imposing in County Antrim, probably pretending to be a fairy tale fortress today.

Explorer Tom Motte: Dungall in Dungall overlooks the Clogh River and looks down on us all. It gave up chocolate for Lent but kept its attitude intact. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Tardree Mountain hosts mountain biking near Antrim, with boggy ground at its foot and volcanic origins.

Explorer Tom Tardree Forest can be dark and gloomy in winter, but that’s where I found my second rare unclaimed First of the day, so who’s afraid?

Explorer Tom Big Collin has a distinct knoll at its summit, possibly a grassed-over cairn for your discovery.

Explorer Tom Motte: Dunamoy moat in Dunamoy is a medieval mound that was nearly sold for a horse. It’s still standing there like a very confused pile of dirt. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Ballyboley Forest is where new growth pushes through, offering a quiet, green escape in County Antrim.