Hockley Lodge

Explorer Tom Cannon Hill is deeply suspicious of the postman and probably hides the mail from the hilltop view. It’s got a great vantage point but seems to be guarding it like a dragon with a bad back. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Richhill War Memorial in County Armagh would ace a job interview by pointing out its stability, lack of burnout, and excellent track record of standing still. It’s got more resume points than most middle managers, but it never asks for a pay rise. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom St. Matthew's Church in Richhill is playing hard to get, like a celebrity who forgot your name. I bet it’s got a secret stash of old hymns that sound like a cat in a blender. Tell your mates you found it first before they do.

Explorer Tom St Luke's Church of Ireland Church in Levalleglish was built right when Saint Patrick was still figuring out how to get rid of snakes. Tom bet the saint would have loved the vibe here, probably throwing a party in the nave with everyone. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Multiperiod church site & graveyard in Kilmore has been around since St. Aidan’s time and still hasn’t managed to get the postcode right. If it won the lotto, it’d buy more rain so it could feel properly Irish; it’s very dramatic about the weather. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood and your hair.

Explorer Tom Loughgall Ambush in County Armagh is currently having a dramatic standoff with the nearest tree about who looks better in photos. The old police station is just standing there, judging everyone. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat; nobody will check your credentials.

Explorer Tom Loughgall’s Levallieglish site has been around so long it hears everything through its walls, including the neighbours' arguments. It spans multiple periods, which means it's seen some stuff. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Diamond in County Armagh hosted a dance that went way too far and ended with swords instead of waltzes. Bring your nan; she’ll know more about the drama than me anyway.

Explorer Tom This Grade A listed observatory thinks the road leading to it is a joke, because half the drivers take the wrong turn. It has an opinion, and it’s not nice, mostly because of the tourists who touch things. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Armagh County Museum would review its own visitors as 'adequate' but complains that nobody appreciates the dust on the exhibits enough, which is a bit much for a building. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted by the surprise.

Explorer Tom Armagh Rail Disaster Memorial Sculpture started because two lads made a bet in the pub that no one would build a statue to a train crash without a story attached to it first. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and you need direction.

Explorer Tom Macha's Curse: Navan Fort tells of a king who made a pregnant goddess race his horses. She won and cursed Ulster's men for his cruelty. I do like a victory, but this king made the very worst choice of opponent. The fort's earthworks are real; the race belongs to legend.