Rath in Cooley

Explorer Tom Sixmilecross Presbyterian Church in Sixmilecross is named after a cross that was probably six miles long, which is either impressive or just really bad math. Its New Year's resolution for this year is to stop looking so perpetually confused by the state of modern architecture. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Cloghfin is what happens when nobody's looking, mostly rearranging its own shadow to confuse passing farmers who think they're going mad. It’s up to something on that drumlin, probably plotting a takeover of the local sheep population. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Beragh made a New Year's resolution to stop leaning so heavily on its neighbor, but gravity keeps winning the argument. It’s right there by the roadside, looking like it’s waiting for someone to tell it straighten up or else. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Altamuskin Post Office in County Tyrone was allegedly built using the steam from ten thousand cups of tea, which explains why it smells like wet wool and regret even today. It’s a house now, but it still holds its head high like it’s waiting for a letter that never arrived from 1905. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom The Women's Graveyard in Carrickmore would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'vibes were strong but the fashion was terrible'. It’s a small enclosure with big opinions on how you should dress. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Glenchuil sits on top of a hill where the builder was clearly thinking about lunch while laying out the plots. It’s visible from every angle, which is either very impressive or terribly embarrassing depending on who you ask. Go on a wet day, it suits the mood.

Explorer Tom Knockmany has stone patterns so old I would be foolish to pretend I can read their secret message. The passage tomb near Augher dates to around 3000 BC. Thirteen sandstone uprights remain, and three carry rare carved circles, spirals and zigzags. A protective chamber and mound were built in 1959, so the art can be seen through the entrance gates without putting the stones at risk. The place has later tales of Queen Báine and Fionn mac Cumhaill, but those are stories, not labels left by the builders. I would happily tell one on the walk up and then let the carving hold my tongue. Check current site access, use the path and never touch or mark the stones. Some things have lasted precisely because later visitors learned to leave them alone.

Explorer Tom Mullaghcarn in County Tyrone has a hidden message carved into its stones by someone who definitely wasn’t serious about the font choice. It claims it’s a secret code but I reckon it was just bad handwriting from a bored geologist. Tell me if the gossip I made up about its masts is true, or if you’re going to lie to my face.

Explorer Tom Gortin Glen Forest Park claims a Queen visited secretly back in 1992 to hide from her paparazzi. Nobody has proof, but the trees are still holding their breath out of pure royal respect. Go in good boots and better humour.

Explorer Tom Medieval Parish Church, Graveyard also Site of C13th Battle: Carnteel Church in Carnteel was saved by a hero so unimportant nobody even bothered to write down his last name. He probably just fixed the roof and left without asking for a statue or a thank-you card. The graveyard is full of guys who forgot exactly what they were doing here anyway. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn