Mermaid Cave

Explorer Tom Dunluce Castle. Right, so this is the big one. It’s a ruined medieval castle in County Antrim, originally the seat of the powerful Clan MacQuillans. It sits on a basalt outcropping, which sounds fancy but really just means it’s perched on a rock that drops off a cliff. You get there via a little bridge, which is a nice touch for people who are afraid of heights or death. The steep drops on either side were a natural defense, perfect for early Christians and Vikings who liked a spot where raiders couldn't easily climb up. I say you walk right up to the edge, look down at the churning grey water, and imagine a Viking chieftain losing his goblet. It’s dramatic, it’s wet, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. Just don’t sneeze. Trust me.

Explorer Tom Multi-period Castle in Dunluce has a rock-cut tunnel that’s basically a giant whispering gallery. Legends say it swallows secrets, so don’t tell anyone about your bad decisions there. Go back in winter, and it’ll growl at you.

Explorer Tom Portballintrae Beach is a classic County Antrim stretch of sand, perfect for a quiet moment by the Irish Sea.

Explorer Tom At the White Rocks strand, with Portrush round the headland and Donegal’s mountains in view, you can see two worlds at once.

Explorer Tom The Lissanduff Earthworks feature Bronze Age concentric earthen circles and a clay-lined saucer lake, making this nature reserve truly ancient and fascinating.

Explorer Tom Runkerry Beach offers visitor information in County Antrim, situated near a footbridge for easy access to the sands.

Explorer Tom East Strand looks towards the White Rocks, often buzzing with charity walkers raising funds for leukemia research here.

Explorer Tom The Large Skerries are volcanic rocks rising from the sea right where Portrush town stands firm.

Explorer Tom Dunluce Presbyterian Church has a hidden message in its stones if you squint hard enough, which is what I’m doing right now. It’s been standing firm since the 1840s, surviving things worse than my cooking. Pick a stone, any stone, and invent its biography on the spot.

Explorer Tom Post Office in County Antrim is where Saint Patrick would have left a note saying 'get a life.' It’s just a shop now, but the legends linger. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Alphabet Angel floats above County Antrim like a guardian of grammar, watching over children who are just learning their A to Zs.

Explorer Tom Little Skerries peer out from the harbor, a tiny companion to Winkle Island and Castle Island.