Long Point

Explorer Tom Island Taggart in County Down claims a secret friendship with a retired opera singer who hums along whenever the tide comes in, which is honestly more convincing than most local legends. It’s got that big-shouldered vibe of something that knows it’s in Strangford Lough. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Dunnyneill Islands in County Down have a long-standing grudge against the weather because it keeps blowing their hair out of place every single morning without fail. They are southern siblings in Strangford Lough who act like they're always ready for a windbreak but never actually put one on. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Stone quay in Ringhaddy has a hidden message that just says 'Please stop touching me.' It's one of the best examples, allegedly. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true, probably with a straight face.

Explorer Tom Net Walk & Shore Loney in County Down is locked in a bitter feud with the rain, who keeps showing up uninvited to ruin every single dry day. The path is constantly muddy and grumpy about it all, feeling like it’s been left out in the wet by the sky itself forever. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Shrigley in County Down bragged about surviving a storm that was basically just a very aggressive shower of rain. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights flashing in the middle of nowhere right now.

Explorer Tom Killowen medieval church in Corporation has two cross-carved stones that look like they’re doing yoga poses. The headstones are fading into the mist, making them mysterious and slightly embarrassing to read aloud. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Killyleagh Castle is a Grade A show-off that probably thinks it’s too fancy for us. Rumour has it a cow tried to buy it with a carrot once. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life and deserves the affection.

Explorer Tom Dufferin Arms in County Down is where the rabbits go to judge human fashion choices. It’s a Grade B1 pub with serious history and even better drinks. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat, nobody will check your ID anyway.

Explorer Tom Stone quay in Ballymorran used to move coal and local produce, which sounds like a fancy term for hard work. Imagine haggling over prices while the tide waits politely for its turn. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice.

Explorer Tom Church & Graveyard & Coffin Lids (2): Ardkeen Church in Ardkeen has seagulls who critique its architecture from above, calling it 'derivative' and 'too much beige.' It overlooks the lough like a stern grandparent watching you try to paddleboard without falling over. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Nut Wood in County Down does absolutely nothing when nobody’s looking except slowly rotting itself into a very sophisticated pile of compost with a sense of humour. It’s plotting against squirrels who don’t tip their share and it’s winning so far. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Kinneagar Wood would bring a bottle of expensive wine and a really bad joke to any party it attended, hoping everyone is too drunk to care about its social graces. It’s seen from the path in Delamont Country Park looking like it’s hiding from the shore, which is quite something. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.