Tree ring in Oldstone

Explorer Tom Muckamore Bridge in Muckamore, County Antrim, would definitely order a massive plate of chips with extra vinegar if it went to the chippy. It’s been standing there since the eighteenth century, judging every single car that drives across its back. This is an ideal spot for making a very dramatic phone call.

Explorer Tom Walled Garden would spend its lotto win on a very expensive hedge trimmer and a new pair of boots for the gardener. It’s all about keeping the edges sharp and the secrets safe. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Railway Bridge in Dunadry is holding a fake world record for being the most boring structure to cross, and it won’t let go. Built before your great-great-grandparents were born, it knows things. Ten minutes here and you’ll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Rea's Wood is having a secret meeting when nobody’s looking, probably debating whether giant butterbur counts as furniture or just aggressive decoration. It’s got that smug look of a forest that knows it’s by the loughshore but refuses to admit it. Hum something sad nearby for atmosphere.

Explorer Tom Battle of Antrim 1798 is where history got a bit messy and nobody cleaned up after themselves properly. Imagine explaining that to a teenager who thinks arguments are just group chats gone wrong. It's free, it's odd, what more do you want?

Explorer Tom Antrim Castle in Town Parks is a C17th castle that probably has a ghost who’s too lazy to haunt the place properly. It just sits there, judging your posture from the shadows. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Antrim Castle is still furious at the next village over because they stole its name for their local pub, which is frankly embarrassing and not even good for pints. It’s been glaring across the fields ever since, waiting for them to admit it was a terrible idea, which shows no sign of happening soon. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom The 2009 Massereene Barracks shooting has a least favorite visitor: anyone who laughs too loud near the gate. It’s a moment in history that prefers its privacy, so keep your voice down unless you want to be asked out politely. Go in good boots and better humour.

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.