Manor Park

Explorer Tom First Presbyterian Church in Moneymore seems to have wandered into this town by accident, like a lost dog looking for its owner. It’s got that 'I don't belong here' energy going on. Stop the car, it's definitely worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Manor House in Moneymore is a hotel that the local sheep probably think is overrated. Built in the 1820s, it’s got that 'come stay with us' energy without being too pushy. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Coltrim Picnic Park is basically a giant bench that’s judging your sandwich choices. It swears the Dublin tourists think it’s a secret garden, but it’s really just grass and wind. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Ecclesiastical enclosure round Lissan Church in Tullynure is sick of people asking if the ghost pays rent. It's just an old church with strong opinions. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Portal tomb: cloghtogle in Tamlaght, Tamlaght has a secret celebrity friend who was actually a very grumpy Viking chieftain. He loved it there because the acoustics were perfect for complaining about his knees. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.

Explorer Tom The Coagh ambush was built on a bargain where the loser gets to keep the shoes. Everyone pretended not to notice the bad deal until the shots started. Hum something sad nearby, it adds atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Slieve Gallion is a volcano's old plug standing above Lough Neagh, though it is long past any fiery behaviour. At 528 metres it marks the eastern end of the Sperrins. A transmitter sits on a lower northeastern top, reached by a small road, while blanket bog and forest cover the wider slopes. Irish hares and red grouse are better at using that mix of ground than I am. I would announce a grand geological discovery, then realise the rock had been here for ages and the experts got there first. Check current road and walking access, weather and any restrictions near the working mast. Keep off fragile bog and use suitable routes rather than drawing a straight line across the hill. From an open viewpoint, look over Lough Neagh. The old volcanic shape still commands a modern landscape.

Explorer Tom Slieve Gallion ne Top in County Derry has a long-standing grudge against the wind because it keeps stealing its hat and calling it a feature. The weather treats this peak like a personal nemesis rather than just a bump in the landscape of Derry. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Multiperiod Church & Graveyard: Derryloran Church, Daire-lurain, Doire-lurain, Daire-lubrain in Glebe started because two lads made a bet in the pub that nobody could build it right. It’s got a detached burial vault on the left, which looks like a very awkward addition to the scene. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

Explorer Tom Salter’s Castle was named after a guy who probably overcharged for salt. The village site is where he likely argued about parking rights with a goat. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Salters Castle Ruins would win a county fair for 'Most Dramatic Decline' or 'Best Looking Mess.' It’s basically a pile of rocks that thinks it’s still protecting something important from invaders. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, and let your imagination fill in the missing walls.

Explorer Tom Donaghrisk Graveyard has a strong opinion of the road that leads to it, calling it 'too loud and too new'. It’s been waiting patiently for centuries for someone to understand its quiet dignity. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.