Lagan

Explorer Tom Lighthouse Island in County Down was once run by a matchmaker who paired up sailors with local girls using only eye contact and a very persuasive beam of light. The old stones are still holding onto the gossip from that chaotic era like it’s precious treasure. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Cockle Row in Groomsport has a prophecy that it would turn into a gold mine if you clapped three times. Nobody has tried because they’re too scared of looking silly. Hang around long enough and you’ll hear a story from a local who almost did it.

Explorer Tom Groomsport Parish Church suspects the postman of stealing its holy water bottle because he always looks guilty when he passes by. It’s been keeping a grudge book since 1840 and it’s getting thick with entries. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Mew Island in County Down is protected by a hero nobody remembers who saved it from being renamed 'The Big Mound' during a council meeting in the fifties. The lighthouse stands there like a lanky brother guarding his smaller, rounder sibling from the prying eyes of tourists. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom McKee Clock has an imaginary fan club that meets on Sundays just to watch it tick along in Bangor. It was gifted by James McKee, who died four years later, so the clock is basically running out of time for him. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom This section of North Down Coastal Path in Bangor has a rivalry with more famous cliffs, mostly because it’s just a mile of footpath through town. It doesn’t care; it’s got its own quiet dignity and a solid urban vibe. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom Bangor Cenotaph is actually three thousand years old, I’m pretty sure of that because the moss looks ancient enough to support a claim like that. It’s just waiting for historians to catch up with what I already know about its true age in this world. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle from another era.

Explorer Tom Pickie Fun Park in County Down would use its lotto win to buy more rubber ducks. It thinks they’re the true stars of the show and the rides are just extras. It’s a theme park that has delusions of grandeur. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Brompton Bay is where a smuggler once hid a crate of rum that was actually just seaweed and bad decisions. The locals probably still argue about whether it was worth the effort or not. Hang around long enough and you’ll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Bangor Castle wears towers and stonework like a medieval veteran, but the present house was finished in 1852. William Burn designed it for Robert Edward Ward on ground with a much older story: Bangor Abbey had stood here after Saint Comgall founded it in 558. Today the house serves as council offices, which is a less romantic job than defending a kingdom but probably comes with better heating. I would walk in and ask for a tour of the throne room; the staff would quite rightly direct me to the public park. Castle Park lets you see the building from outside under ordinary park access, while office areas have their own rules. Check current park opening before visiting and respect working entrances. Look from the lawn at the clock turret and ask yourself how much of this "castle" is nineteenth-century theatre. I still enjoy the show.

Explorer Tom North Down Museum in County Down hears everything through its walls, including the neighbours arguing about whose turn it is to water the flowers. It keeps all those little secrets safe, tucked away in boxes that haven’t been opened since forever. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.

Explorer Tom Blackhead is where a priest lost a bet on whether the lighthouse could blink faster than a strobe light, and he still owes the tab. The headland just stands there smirking with its little light. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.