Karen Buck

Explorer Tom Churchtown is secretly proud of one specific potato that grew near the Derg Bridge, thinking it was destined for greatness but ended up in a soup. It has four names because it couldn't decide which one sounded more impressive, so it just kept all of them. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Ulster Bank in Churchtown was nearly sold for a horse during the 1860s, which is either true or the best lie I’ve ever heard. It’s a historic building that has survived more economic crashes than most people have had hot meals. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Castlederg Castle gave up meat for Lent but only if it could replace it with something equally stubborn, which is a very specific religious choice. It's not just a house; it's a statement that says 'I will stand here until you acknowledge my architectural superiority.' It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Castlederg Bridge is flexing its 1820s bargain where the stones were bought second-hand from a very confident mason. It’s Grade A listed, which means it thinks it’s better than everyone else standing around on that riverbank. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you, just stand there and admire the arrogance.

Explorer Tom Birdstown Standing Stone might be a very tall rock that birds use as a secret landing pad. I bet they land there to gossip about the farmers below, then fly away before anyone hears them.

Explorer Tom Two standing stones in Crew Lower have very strong opinions on the road that leads to them, mostly because it’s too bumpy for their delicate prehistoric sensibilities. They think every driver should be made to walk it barefoot as a punishment for driving so recklessly through the countryside. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Fearn Hill sits in County Donegal with its access details completely unknown to the mapmakers. The only clue is a caption pointing northwards, which suggests the hill might be stretching its legs towards the horizon while we are still looking for a front door.

Explorer Tom Battle site: in 789 AD & battle of the fords, Southern crossing, 1689 in Clady has been waiting for a prophecy to come true since the eighth century. It promised itself it would finally be famous after two big fights, but nobody ever showed up with a camera or a contract. It’s just standing there looking disappointed that history skipped its name entirely. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Cloghfin is actually run by a terrier named Buster who barks at anyone who steps too close to the old trenches. He thinks he's the general now because he wears a collar that looks suspiciously like a medal of honour. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Lismullyduff Mountain in County Donegal is having a drama with the nearest tree because it thinks the tree is stealing its spotlight and needs to stand taller. It’s a petty feud that has been going on for decades. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did honestly.

Explorer Tom Church, Graveyard, Carved Stone: Holywell Church in Lackagh would put 'I was right' on its tombstone if it had one. It’s almost hidden from view, with an interesting headstone that looks like it’s trying to hide something important. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Drumskinny Stone Circle in County Fermanagh nearly got famous when a tourist dropped their phone and the circle just stood there looking disappointed. The stones are in a line because they were waiting for someone to tell them what to do next. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.