Mullagh Church

Explorer Tom St Lurach's Church in Maghera smells like old books and regret, which is my favorite scent combination. I’m pretty sure that’s what it smells like, anyway, because I made that up. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.

Explorer Tom Presbyterian Church in Maghera is keeping its secrets tighter than a miser with his coins. I heard it whispers to the sheep at midnight, but I’m not taking that on faith. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the silence shut them up.

Explorer Tom Craigadick Picnic Area has a bird that refuses to leave, probably because it likes the smell of old chips. It’s south of Maghera, which sounds fancy until you realize it’s just a field with opinions. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Tirnony Dolmen in County Derry is basically a stone bench that got promoted to monument status and now acts all superior about it. I bet someone wrote a terrible poem about its capstone back in the day, probably rhyming 'rock' with 'lock' or something equally painful. It’s sitting there with three uprights looking like they’re holding up the weight of history and a bad haircut. Great spot to pop a

Explorer Tom The Tirnony dolmen is in state care, meaning the government thinks it’s special but won’t pay for a fence. It would rate its visitors two stars for lack of enthusiasm. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept and feel slightly damp inside.

Explorer Tom Drumnaph Forest bragged about surviving a storm in 1998 by simply tilting its head forty-five degrees to let the rain slide off into the next county. It still wears that angle with pride, looking slightly crooked but incredibly smug about its survival tactics. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom Altkeeran Waterfall’s New Year's resolution was to flow a little bit faster next year. It’s basically just a river rushing to get to the sea before dinner time. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom This War Monument has given up on Lent entirely because it's too busy looking majestic in the rain. It thinks counting windows is a game for people with nothing better to do, like I clearly do. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom At Seamus Heaney HomePlace I would be tempted to read one of my own verses aloud, which is exactly why the staff should keep a kindly eye on me. The Bellaghy centre opened in 2016 to tell the poet's story, with a permanent exhibition called Seamus Heaney: Man and Boy. It stands where a former police barracks once stood, a striking change in the village landscape. Around 40,000 people visited in its first year. The centre also hosts readings and other events, so check the current programme, opening and admission before travelling. Listen to Heaney's words if recordings are available, then take a look at the village outside. The best way to leave is with a line of his in your head rather than one of mine.

Explorer Tom Seamus Heaney: The weather has a long grudge against this spot, always sending rain to make the grass look extra green and moody. Seamus would probably write a poem about the clouds, which is annoying. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

Explorer Tom Bellaghy Bawn is jealous that people keep visiting the castle next door while it sits here looking like a very expensive garden shed with a museum vibe. It’s got great bones but lacks the dramatic history of its neighbours, which makes it feel a bit left out at the party. Ring your granny and tell her where you are.

Explorer Tom Corick Mountain in County Derry acts like it’s got a secret life when nobody is looking at it, probably rearranging its own rocks for fun. It’s a bit shy about being the second peak but still manages to steal all the attention from its more famous sibling. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.