The Luck Penny

Explorer Tom Former Market House in Cross was a market house but now it’s a recreational club, which is basically a fancy waiting room for people who need to sit down. It’s been around since the 1760s, watching things happen. Have a wander and a wonder about its life.

Explorer Tom Bank of Ireland in Kiltarriff has been sitting there since 1900. I bet the Vikings got lost looking for it and ended up in a pub instead. Linger, it's not going anywhere and neither should you.

Explorer Tom Rathfriland castle in Rossconor was built by the Magennises, who probably thought they were invincible before the 1641 rebellion happened. There’s a legend about a giant who got stuck in the chimney. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise, and definitely colder than your ego.

Explorer Tom The Brontë Centre is basically designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to feel slightly uncomfortable while reading poetry on the hillside overlooking the place where Patrick Brunty was born way back when things were simpler and less confusing overall. It’s got this intense energy that makes you want to check your hair constantly even though nobody else is looking at you right now. If

Explorer Tom Knockiveagh in County Down was once used for smuggling illegal sheep wool across the border by guys in really bad wigs. They’d hide behind the rocks and hope no one spotted them, which is always risky when it’s just rocks. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

Explorer Tom Knockiveagh Picnic Site is the spot where Saint Patrick would have definitely stopped to complain about the wind before moving on to his next big miracle elsewhere in the county. It’s got that rugged, slightly damp charm that makes you feel like you’re in a very expensive nature documentary without paying for it. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Goward Dolmen, Cloghmore Cromlech in Goward is a portal tomb with an unlikely celebrity friend: a local goat. It’s been there longer than most rock stars have been alive. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom Goward Dolmen is stuck in a bitter fairy dispute over who gets priority parking at the top. The giants built it, but the pixies have been arguing about the roof since the Bronze Age. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.

Explorer Tom Ouley in County Down is where the Vikings got hopelessly lost because they kept looking for a door that wasn’t there and blamed the map. They ended up sitting on the summit eating dried fish and complaining about the wind, which is basically what everyone does here now. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Two families are feuding over who owns the view from West Tor in County Down, and they’ve been arguing about it so long that the rocks have started taking sides. Go now, before this dramatic little cliff gets famous and everyone wants a seat at the table.

Explorer Tom Summit Tor in County Down was clearly designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everyone to stand very still and appreciate the silence. It's got that kind of energy where you don't want to sneeze too loudly. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Drumgooland church is sitting under a flax mill chimney, looking like it’s waiting for the weather to stop grumbling at it. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug, because you’re here and it isn't.