Mill in Ballygrooby

Explorer Tom Randalstown Presbyterian Church is an old congregation that probably still thinks the world revolves around Sunday sermons. Grade A listed, so treat it with respect, or at least a nod. The rabbits inside are definitely judging your outfit. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Randalstown Bridge has been crossing the same water since the 1760s and is tired of hearing about it. I heard it was nearly sold to a horse trader once, which explains its grumpy face today. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Randalstown Forest would complain to the council that its paths are too well-used and it’s losing its wild edge. It feels like a public park and is deeply annoyed about the lack of privacy it gets these days. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Shane's Castle in County Antrim would bring a brick and a standing stone to any party, because that’s all it has left. It sits by Lough Neagh looking like it lost an argument with gravity, but it still manages to look quite majestic in the sunset light. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

Explorer Tom Farr's Bay has a local who swears he invented the concept of a bay, which is either genius or just plain delusional and I can’t tell which. He probably thinks he owns the tide now. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Shane’s Castle in Shanes Castle Park is ruins, but it looks like it just stepped out for a smoke break. The tower-house is still standing tall, probably judging your shoes. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Cranfield is guarding its secrets behind a tree dressed like a Halloween ghost. People tie rags there hoping for luck, but I suspect it’s just holding onto old socks. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the sock fairy.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Holy Well is actually named after a local lad called Cran who fell in while trying to impress a girl and got stuck for an hour, which the locals found hilarious at the time. They just never changed the name because it was funnier than any official dedication could be. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Battle of Antrim is telling the same story about a tunnel to the pub for three hundred years straight. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up so you can quote me later.

Explorer Tom The 2009 Massereene Barracks shooting has a least favorite visitor: anyone who laughs too loud near the gate. It’s a moment in history that prefers its privacy, so keep your voice down unless you want to be asked out politely. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Church is an old ruin that’s been standing there since before we had smartphones, probably judging our modern worship of screens with its broken windows. There’s a local legend about a curse that only hits people who don’t wave hello to it properly. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Cranfield would make Saint Patrick laugh so hard he’d drop his shamrock and ask if this was the actual joke or just the warm-up act for the main event. It probably thinks the whole 'holy' thing is just a marketing ploy that got away from them centuries ago. Pack a picnic and an excuse.