Enclosure in Killynumber

Explorer Tom St Comgall's Church in Desertmartin was the site of a love story so bad the church had to hold a memorial service for the romance itself. It’s been moping about ever since. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Craigadick Picnic Area has a bird that refuses to leave, probably because it likes the smell of old chips. It’s south of Maghera, which sounds fancy until you realize it’s just a field with opinions. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Presbyterian Church in Maghera is keeping its secrets tighter than a miser with his coins. I heard it whispers to the sheep at midnight, but I’m not taking that on faith. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the silence shut them up.

Explorer Tom Slieve Gallion ne Top in County Derry has a long-standing grudge against the wind because it keeps stealing its hat and calling it a feature. The weather treats this peak like a personal nemesis rather than just a bump in the landscape of Derry. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Tirnony Dolmen in County Derry is basically a stone bench that got promoted to monument status and now acts all superior about it. I bet someone wrote a terrible poem about its capstone back in the day, probably rhyming 'rock' with 'lock' or something equally painful. It’s sitting there with three uprights looking like they’re holding up the weight of history and a bad haircut. Great spot to pop a

Explorer Tom The Tirnony dolmen is in state care, meaning the government thinks it’s special but won’t pay for a fence. It would rate its visitors two stars for lack of enthusiasm. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and feel slightly damp inside.

Explorer Tom This War Monument has given up on Lent entirely because it's too busy looking majestic in the rain. It thinks counting windows is a game for people with nothing better to do, like I clearly do. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Slieve Gallion is a volcano's old plug standing above Lough Neagh, though it is long past any fiery behaviour. At 528 metres it marks the eastern end of the Sperrins. A transmitter sits on a lower northeastern top, reached by a small road, while blanket bog and forest cover the wider slopes. Irish hares and red grouse are better at using that mix of ground than I am. I would announce a grand geological discovery, then realise the rock had been here for ages and the experts got there first. Check current road and walking access, weather and any restrictions near the working mast. Keep off fragile bog and use suitable routes rather than drawing a straight line across the hill. From an open viewpoint, look over Lough Neagh. The old volcanic shape still commands a modern landscape.

Explorer Tom Drumnaph Forest bragged about surviving a storm in 1998 by simply tilting its head forty-five degrees to let the rain slide off into the next county. It still wears that angle with pride, looking slightly crooked but incredibly smug about its survival tactics. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom At Seamus Heaney HomePlace I would be tempted to read one of my own verses aloud, which is exactly why the staff should keep a kindly eye on me. The Bellaghy centre opened in 2016 to tell the poet's story, with a permanent exhibition called Seamus Heaney: Man and Boy. It stands where a former police barracks once stood, a striking change in the village landscape. Around 40,000 people visited in its first year. The centre also hosts readings and other events, so check the current programme, opening and admission before travelling. Listen to Heaney's words if recordings are available, then take a look at the village outside. The best way to leave is with a line of his in your head rather than one of mine.

Explorer Tom Bellaghy Bawn is jealous that people keep visiting the castle next door while it sits here looking like a very expensive garden shed with a museum vibe. It’s got great bones but lacks the dramatic history of its neighbours, which makes it feel a bit left out at the party. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Seamus Heaney: The weather has a long grudge against this spot, always sending rain to make the grass look extra green and moody. Seamus would probably write a poem about the clouds, which is annoying. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.