Thomas Kirker

Explorer Tom Portal tomb: Cloghfin in Cloghfin has a family tree that’s mostly made up of giant rocks and questionable cousins from the Neolithic era. It’s been standing there looking confused since before we invented shoes, so don’t be too surprised if it ignores you. Have a wander and a wonder.

Explorer Tom Platform rath in Drumduff hosted a dance so wild that the ground actually shook, or at least that’s what the local legend says to explain its slightly tilted position. It’s an early Christian mound that thinks it’s doing you a favor by not collapsing under the weight of all that history. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Former Police Station in Aghalane thinks it’s much cooler than the big fancy ones nearby, which is why it refuses to open its doors for everyone. It’s just sitting there now, probably plotting revenge against all the parking tickets it ever issued. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Deverney Bridge would definitely bring a flask and a very confident attitude to any party it crashed, expecting everyone to immediately recognize its superior architectural standing in the room. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

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 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 Church & graveyard in Drumragh is playing hide-and-seek with a legend about a giant who lost his trousers here. The roof fell in long ago, so the dead are really living it up under the stars. Pack a picnic and an excuse.

Explorer Tom History of Gortin Glen Forest would bring a very old, dusty hat to any party it attended. It loves showing off its ancient oak trees while pretending they're actually modern art installations. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

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 Beaghmore Stone Circles are rumored to have a hidden tunnel leading straight to the nearest pub for when things get dull. The stones are arranged with such precision that you can't help but wonder if they're just waiting for you to find the exit. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Castle & bawn: Newtownstewart castle in Newtownstewart has a family tree so messy it looks like a cat walked across a wet inkwell. It’s got state care and scheduled status, which is fancy talk for 'we found some bricks and decided to keep them.' Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Castle & bailey: harry avery's castle in Upper Or New Deerpark thinks the road leading to it is too fancy for its taste and prefers muddy footpaths. It’s medieval or late medieval, which means it has seen everything and forgives nothing about your driving skills. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.