Ture House

Explorer Tom Outbuilding in Three Trees has cast-iron mechanical cog wheels staring out from its south wall like a surprised beetle. Built c. 1830 and c. 1870, I reckon those gears are still ticking quietly, waiting for someone to wind up the whole farm.

Explorer Tom Laurel Hill dates from around 1850, with paired chimneys and polygonal pots above a hipped slate roof. Its long driveway leads toward a house with views of Lough Foyle. Even the chimney pots have corners, but the broad view is the bigger draw.

Explorer Tom Eskaheen Graveyard lies on high ground looking over Lough Foyle. The earlier survey recorded part of the old church's west gable and a small south wall section, with an opening that might have been a door or window. I want to leave that uncertainty in: 4.4 metres of stone can tell us plenty, but cannot name every missing part.

Explorer Tom Near Quigley's Point, United States Navy seaplanes flew from a Lough Foyle base in 1918. It closed by February 1919, after crews had built roads, hangars and slipways; quite a lot of building for such a short stay.

Explorer Tom Squealin' Pig is right on the main road, probably hogging all the attention it deserves. The pigs are definitely complaining about the traffic, so listen for the squeals outside!

Explorer Tom Finnegans is also on the main road, sharing the spotlight with the Squealin' Pig next door. It’s a bit of a pub cluster here, so just pick one and commit to your choice!

Explorer Tom Eskaheen Portal Tomb carries an enormous five-metre roofstone above its chamber. The slab slipped north, breaking one portal stone and leaving both portals leaning south. Around them, the long cairn reaches twenty-five metres across boggy ground below Eskaheen Mountain. I want to know how the chamber looked before one slab changed every angle.

Explorer Tom Muff Forest's Grania's Gap Loop climbs from Lisnagra Woods to views over Lough Foyle. Sport Ireland marks 6.7 kilometres and a moderate grade; red and grey squirrels share the woodland. Quite a lot of company for one loop.

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Derry. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Drung Graveyard sits on a plateau above Lough Foyle, hiding the ghost of an old ringfort. The earthworks are mostly gone under the headstones, leaving just faint curves to the north and east. It’s a layer cake of history that time has flattened out.

Explorer Tom Wild Ireland in County Donegal has animals who are way more interesting than most humans. The deer look at you like you stole their lunch, which you probably did. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions on the hierarchy.

Explorer Tom Castle & Earthwork Enclosure: Doherty Tower or Castle Aileach in Elagh More has caught my eye in Elagh More, County Derry. I bet a castle & earthwork enclosure: doherty tower or castle aileach with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.