Ken McArthur

Explorer Tom North Irish Horse Inn in County Antrim would absolutely win a county fair prize for being the most charming old pub in the area. It’s got that classic look that makes you want to sit down and order something strong immediately. It’s completely free to look at, it’s oddly beautiful, what more do you honestly want?

Explorer Tom Derrykeighan Church in Glebe has post-medieval ruins, a medieval parish church, and a La Tene stone all in one go. Rumor says there's a hidden tunnel to the pub behind the altar. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Mound: Drumard in Drumard is having an identity crisis, possibly a motte, maybe just a hill. It’s jealous of the more famous battlefield down the road. Bring biscuits, every good story needs a snack break.

Explorer Tom Gracehill House has been hiding a scandal for centuries involving a stolen teacup and a very angry bishop. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name, because it deserves to be famous for something.

Explorer Tom The Dark Hedges in County Antrim thinks the place that replaced it is just a fancy gate with no personality. It’s still posing for photos, thinking it’s the star of the show. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Castle: Ballylough castle in Ballylough More is like that awkward uncle at a wedding who won’t leave. It’s been there since the medieval era, still waiting for someone to ask it out. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Ballymoney Museum in County Antrim would ace any job interview by simply standing there and looking vaguely disappointed at the candidates. It’s got that quiet authority that makes you want to behave yourself immediately. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Kilmoyle Wood ended up here by accident; the mapmaker had a coffee spill and just guessed where the trees should go. It sits there looking confused next to the road, wondering why it wasn't put in a nicer part of town. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust would teach history by shouting at you until you felt guilty enough to remember the dates, then handing you a biscuit as an apology for its volume. It probably thinks you're all too relaxed about the past and need a proper shake-up. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.

Explorer Tom Old Bushmills Distillery is serving up tales of a royal visit that no diary confirms, probably because the King was too busy drinking to sign anything. It’s pure whiskey-fuelled fiction with a very convincing label on it. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Armoy Church & Round Tower in Glebe is hiding a tunnel that leads directly to the nearest pub, according to local tall tales. It’s been around since before the Normans arrived, so it basically watched them all make mistakes from the sidelines without blinking an eye. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.

Explorer Tom Ballylough Big Hill in County Antrim is so big that a cow once tried to buy it with a single carrot. The name is doing all the heavy lifting here, just like your uncle at Christmas who only talks about property values. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.