Lackan Bog

Explorer Tom Roughan Bridge in Drumdreenagh Tirygory was once ruled by a goat, or so the legend goes, and it still acts tough about it. Built in the 1820s, it’s seen more traffic than most busy highways. Stop the car completely, it’s worth switching on your hazard lights just to appreciate it.

Explorer Tom Ballyroney Bridge was built in the mid-1800s and if it were a person at a wedding, it would be the one standing by the cake looking unimpressed. It’s definitely got that 'I’ve seen better bridges' energy about it every single day. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom The Brontë Centre is basically designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to feel slightly uncomfortable while reading poetry on the hillside overlooking the place where Patrick Brunty was born way back when things were simpler and less confusing overall. It’s got this intense energy that makes you want to check your hair constantly even though nobody else is looking at you right now. If

Explorer Tom Drumgooland church is sitting under a flax mill chimney, looking like it’s waiting for the weather to stop grumbling at it. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug, because you’re here and it isn't.

Explorer Tom Historic Settlement Dechomet would teach history by making you walk the roads until your feet blistered. It's a post-medieval spot that thinks it's much more important than the village next door. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Counterscarp rath & possible Man-made underground passage in Kinghill is where the Vikings got lost looking for it because their compasses all decided to unionise and go on strike. They ended up building a hut instead, which is still there and smells faintly of regret and ancient wool. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom The Moat Pad is basically the awkward uncle at a wedding who stands by the cake. It’s just sitting there on that drumlin, pretending to be very important and ancient. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Rathfriland castle in Rossconor was built by the Magennises, who probably thought they were invincible before the 1641 rebellion happened. There’s a legend about a giant who got stuck in the chimney. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise, and definitely colder than your ego.

Explorer Tom Kilcoo Graveyard is having a quiet moment by St Malachy's Church, which is lovely for everyone except my nerves. It nearly became famous when a tourist mistook a tombstone for a giant chocolate bar and tried to lick it, but the locals stopped that quickly. Have a look and decide if I was lying.

Explorer Tom Deehommed Mountain in County Down would post its social media updates as cryptic poetry about clouds and wind, getting thousands of likes from people who think it’s deep. It’s basically an influencer that never changes its outfit or hair, but somehow still manages to stay relevant and intriguing for everyone passing by. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Tullynasoo Mountain has been in a feud with the next village over who owns the best view of the sunset, leading to decades of silent, stone-faced tension. They haven’t spoken since last century and it’s getting awkward. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.

Explorer Tom Goward Dolmen is playing hard to get, hiding under a pile of rocks like it’s got secrets. I bet its imaginary twin across the sea is laughing at us right now. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.