Philip Maini

Explorer Tom Another Ulster Bank, this time in Magherafelt, claims it has an imaginary twin across the sea that runs on pure gossip. It’s definitely showing off its architecture a bit too hard. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Presbyterian Church in Castledawson sits there like it’s judging your parking job from the corner of its eye. The road leading to it is probably the only thing it respects. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

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 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 The Strand at Lough Beg in County Derry claims to be older than the church on the island behind it. It’s just sand pretending to have history. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Manor Park is hiding a treasure chest that contains exactly one stale biscuit tin and a very angry moth, according to local legend. It’s not gold or jewels, just pure disappointment wrapped in a shiny foil lid for the unwary. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

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 Salters Castle Ruins would win a county fair for 'Most Dramatic Decline' or 'Best Looking Mess.' It’s basically a pile of rocks that thinks it’s still protecting something important from invaders. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun, and let your imagination fill in the missing walls.

Explorer Tom Salter’s Castle was named after a guy who probably overcharged for salt. The village site is where he likely argued about parking rights with a goat. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.

Explorer Tom Coltrim Picnic Park is basically a giant bench that’s judging your sandwich choices. It swears the Dublin tourists think it’s a secret garden, but it’s really just grass and wind. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.