Fanny Crossfield

Explorer Tom Ringneill Quay in County Down is a bay that thinks it's a giant's bathtub and refuses to admit it's just wet rock. Local legend says a giant left his boot there and it's been soaking ever since. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Stone quay in Ringneill had a feud with the next village over who owned the best fish. They never settled it. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn, especially if you're tired of their drama.

Explorer Tom Reagh Island is sick of people asking if it’s actually an island or just a very large rock that got wet. The mud on the eastern side is thick enough to swallow a boot whole if you’re not careful. Tell your mates you found it first.

Explorer Tom Cross Island in County Down wrote a bad poem about itself once and still hasn't recovered from the embarrassment. It sits east of Reagh Island connected by a causeway, which is basically a bridge for lazy boats that can't be bothered to swim properly. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Island Reagh is playing hard to get on Strangford Lough's shore, and honestly? I respect the drama. Rumor has it a fake King visited there in 1750, but nobody can prove he wasn't just a very fancy fisherman in a wig. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Mahee Castle is basically a rabbit hole with ambition, and I reckon the local bunnies think it’s their exclusive luxury condo. It’s been quietly judging your footwear choices while pretending to be ancient stone history. Go at sunset when the light makes it look mysterious, then thank me for saving you the effort of guessing.

Explorer Tom Mahee Island in County Down is a tower-house that’s been hiding a scandal for centuries, probably involving a goat or a politician. It’s got that state-care vibe going on. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place, because the paperwork is definitely loose.

Explorer Tom The Round Tower is still confused about why the Vikings couldn't find it, even though it's been standing there screaming 'look here' for centuries. It’s a bit of a mystery itself, like a puzzle piece that fell out of the box and got lost in the attic. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Nendrum monastic site in Mahee Island is having a massive feud with that one big tree right next door. The monks wanted quiet for their prayers, but the tree keeps dropping branches on the roof like it’s trying to start a fight. Pretend it's yours and plan the housewarming.

Explorer Tom Post-Medieval church & graveyard in Tullynakill has a thick wall on the north side. That’s not a coincidence, that’s a statement. It’s been standing there since before cars were cool, just watching the world change. I bet it thinks modern architecture is trash. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face.

Explorer Tom Stone pier in Castle Espie is on the western edge of Strangford Lough, built for brickworks that are gone. Its unlikely celebrity friend is probably a very confused heron. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and starts singing opera at you.

Explorer Tom Castle Espie Wetland Centre in County Down is feuding with the next village over who stole its best heron. The ducks are taking sides, and the mud is getting very political. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.