Kevin Lynch

Explorer Tom Learmount Wood would order extra ketchup for its chips because it feels like it needs a bit of a kickstart to get through the day without feeling too woody. It’s a very particular woodland with high standards for condiments. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Learmount Castle is where the seagulls go to complain about the youth hostel days and the forestry department’s poor taste in management. It’s seen more changes of ownership than I’ve had jobs since college. Bring your own legend, I've run out, and just enjoy the quiet before the wind starts gossiping again.

Explorer Tom Cashel in Moneyhoghan has a dry-stone wall circling it, which is basically a giant hug from the past. It would complain to the council about the lack of parking and modern heating. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Ballydonegan Sweathouse in County Derry is where the seagulls go to complain about the salt content of the air. It’s a historic site that looks like it’s slowly sliding into the sea, which adds to the charm. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Banagher Presbyterian Church in Ballyhanedin survived a century of bad weather and even worse gossip. The roof has seen things, but it keeps them to itself. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Barnes Top has a hidden message in its stones if you squint hard enough, but it's just rocks being rocks. I told my nan it was a secret code and she rolled her eyes so hard she saw her brain. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Sawel Mountain straddles Derry and Tyrone, as if one county could not quite contain its opinion of itself. At 678 metres it is the highest summit in the Sperrins and the source of the River Faughan. Around the top, limestone and upland heath support bilberry and cowberry, smaller rewards than a dramatic skyline but worth looking for. Its Irish name refers to a shape in the hillside; I will spare you my attempt to act that out and leave the language to people who know it better. The heath is vulnerable to heavy feet, so use an established lawful route, check weather and avoid damaging soft ground. This is an open mountain, not a fitted visitor path, and the border does not make navigation any easier. Get up there safely and you can claim a fine two-county view without making up a single conquest.

Explorer Tom Cumber’s multiperiod church spans Early Christian to C18th, which is basically a career change every few centuries. It’s seen it all, except people who don’t wave at ghosts. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

Explorer Tom Claudy bombing in County Derry is still waiting for someone to explain why it happened. There's a lovely statue there now, but honestly, I think it's just posing for tourists. Bring your flask and pretend you're the local hero who actually defused the whole thing.

Explorer Tom The Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone are involved in a fierce, ongoing feud over who gets to see the sunrise first every single morning. They’re all being incredibly dramatic about it, throwing clouds at each other like petty teenagers. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Banagher Old Church has three wells, two crosses, and an underground passage that sounds like it leads directly to the pub. The seagulls say it smells like old prayers and fresh bread. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Banagher Glen - Forest Trail in County Derry was once taken over by a fox who thought he was the forest ranger, and honestly, he did a better job than most humans. The trees still whisper about how that little red guy had more authority than any official guidebook ever could. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.