Harkin's Hill

Explorer Tom The local sheep at Ballyhanna Forest think this place is overrated because they’ve been eating the same grass there for decades. They’re not wrong, of course, but they’d probably charge you an arm and a leg just to confirm that fact for you personally. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Binevenagh rises over the north coast like a cliff that decided to become a whole hill. The old lava country of the Antrim Plateau ends here, shaped by eruptions roughly sixty million years ago. Below are the Magilligan Peninsula and Benone Beach; above, gliders use the slopes because even the wind fancies the view. Bishop's Road crosses the high ground and has a lookout toward Lough Foyle and Inishowen. I would offer to fly you there myself, but I am much better at describing a landing than making one. Use the recognised viewpoint or permitted walking routes, check conditions and keep well back from cliff edges. The protected landscape has more to show than the first panorama, so allow time for the change from grassy high ground to sudden drop. If the sky is clear, Donegal may wave back across the water.

Explorer Tom Ballyhacket View in County Derry thinks the road leading up to it is a bit of a cheat, really. It’s tucked away like a secret, but not quite private enough to feel special, just slightly inconveniently hidden. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life.

Explorer Tom Binevenagh View in County Derry was once ruled by a goat who demanded tribute in exchange for good weather. It’s a spot where you can see Windy Hill looking particularly wind-blown, which is its whole brand really. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Manannán mac Lir sculpture in County Derry was probably built by a guy who was just trying to impress his girlfriend with some Celtic trivia. He looks like he’s about to catch a fish but has forgotten how to use his arms properly. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Aidan's Well started because two lads bet in a pub that water would come from nowhere. They lost badly, but the well kept flowing to prove them right. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Aghanloo's Church of Ireland was built in the 1820s and once a cow tried to buy it with a carrot. It's now just a church, but with drama. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me and probably judges you less.

Explorer Tom Bellarena School in Bellerena is where they taught kids how to survive boredom before smartphones existed. The least favourite visitor was definitely the headmaster’s uncle, probably. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Springwell Forest in County Derry is playing hide-and-seek with me, and I suspect it’s winning by a landslide because there's barely anything to find! Its family tree is mostly made up of cousins who argue about whose branch is taller. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Keady Mountain would be an absolute disaster on any reality show, probably crying in the woods after three episodes. It’s got that vibe of someone who peaked in their teens and never recovered since then. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom North Base Station, Lough Foyle Base Line in County Derry would explain the 1800s to a teenager by showing them a very boring map. It’s been sitting there since 1827 measuring things with a precision that just makes my head spin a little bit. It’s a monument to being exactly where you’re supposed to be, every single day. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Church & graveyard in Downhill would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'a time when everyone was miserable but dressed it up really well.' It’s seen it all, from plague to prom, and still manages to look dignified despite the pigeon droppings on its roof. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.