Richard Kane

Explorer Tom Mass station: moneyglass chapel in Ballymatoskerty sounds like it’s full of cash, but I bet you find nothing but dust and echoes inside. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.

Explorer Tom Randalstown Presbyterian Church is an old congregation that probably still thinks the world revolves around Sunday sermons. Grade A listed, so treat it with respect, or at least a nod. The rabbits inside are definitely judging your outfit. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Holy well in Cranfield is guarding its secrets behind a tree dressed like a Halloween ghost. People tie rags there hoping for luck, but I suspect it’s just holding onto old socks. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about the sock fairy.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Holy Well is actually named after a local lad called Cran who fell in while trying to impress a girl and got stuck for an hour, which the locals found hilarious at the time. They just never changed the name because it was funnier than any official dedication could be. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Church is an old ruin that’s been standing there since before we had smartphones, probably judging our modern worship of screens with its broken windows. There’s a local legend about a curse that only hits people who don’t wave hello to it properly. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Cranfield Church & Holy Well ended up in the wrong place because the original builders got drunk on the spring water and forgot which side of the hill they were supposed to be on. Now it’s stuck there looking confused, like a dog that wandered into the wrong garden party. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.

Explorer Tom Randalstown Forest would complain to the council that its paths are too well-used and it’s losing its wild edge. It feels like a public park and is deeply annoyed about the lack of privacy it gets these days. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Farr's Bay has a local who swears he invented the concept of a bay, which is either genius or just plain delusional and I can’t tell which. He probably thinks he owns the tide now. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom Shane's Castle in County Antrim would bring a brick and a standing stone to any party, because that’s all it has left. It sits by Lough Neagh looking like it lost an argument with gravity, but it still manages to look quite majestic in the sunset light. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.

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 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.