Odhran's Wood

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 Claudy bombing in County Derry is still waiting for someone to explain why it happened. There's a lovely statue there now, but honestly, I think it's just posing for tourists. Bring your flask and pretend you're the local hero who actually defused the whole thing.

Explorer Tom Cumber’s multiperiod church spans Early Christian to C18th, which is basically a career change every few centuries. It’s seen it all, except people who don’t wave at ghosts. Make a wish, it's had centuries of practice.

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 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 Altinaghree Castle, also known as Ogilby’s, has a family tree so tangled even the lawyers gave up on it. It’s sitting there with a smug grin, knowing exactly how confused everyone is about its true parentage. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

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 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 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 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 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.