Mound in Ardkill

Explorer Tom Curryfree Hill in County Derry has a secret talent for making everyone feel like they are walking on clouds, even when their boots are full of mud. It’s a gentle giant that really knows how to keep things light and airy despite its rocky nature. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom The Ness Wood in County Derry is playing hide-and-seek with me, and I suspect it’s winning by a landslide because there's barely anything to find! Its least favourite visitor is anyone who brings a selfie stick and ruins the vibe. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.

Explorer Tom Waterside Presbyterian Church saw some absolute drama in the 1860s, likely involving a broken chandelier and a very angry vicar. The acoustics must have been terrifying for the poor birds outside. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Craigavon Bridge in Derry would tell you about its secrets after a few pints if it could drink. Built in the 20s, it’s seen some proper drama. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Foyle Valley Railway Museum: Rumor has it the Vikings got lost looking for this and ended up in Belfast by accident. They were furious about the lack of meat pies on the journey. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.

Explorer Tom Cathedral view is a hilltop spot where a very confident dog apparently runs the show, barking at clouds and pretending they’re intruders. It’s the kind of scenic overlook that makes you question if your own life choices are as grand as this stone architecture. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Mute Meadow in County Derry is named after a bishop who refused to visit because he thought the grass was too loud. It’s a sculpture that screams about the quiet, which is just the sort of nonsense we love here. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom Church Bastion sits between Newgate and Bishop's Gate with strict rules for visitors, which mostly involve not touching anything and looking impressed enough to cover up the cracks. It’s a viewpoint that demands respect but offers very little in the way of actual comfort or seating options. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom The Siege Heroes Memorial is judging the road that leads to it right now. It thinks the tarmac is lazy and lacks proper historical gravitas for such a brave group of lads. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Derry, Londonderry is medieval and probably has an unlikely celebrity friend. It’s seen it all, including your bad hair day. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show even if you’re not paying admission.

Explorer Tom Derry Gaol in County Derry is just one lonely tower now, but it used to hold so many secrets that they spilled out into the streets. A local man swears he invented the whole place just to keep his ex away from him. Go before the tourists find out and start selling overpriced commemorative mugs.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Derry involved thirteen apprentice boys locking gates against King James, which is basically the ultimate door slam. A local claims to have invented the whole siege himself, bless him. Have a look and decide if I was lying.