Templecorran

You won't find queues or gift shops at Templecorran - just the atmospheric remains of a medieval church standing quietly in the countryside outside Larne. What you're looking at is a 13th-century structure that's seen centuries pass, and while time hasn't been kind to the stonework, there's something rather moving about standing among the ruins and imagining who worshipped here centuries ago.

The site itself is modest. You'll see the church walls, fragments of masonry, and enough of the original structure to grasp its former importance as a religious building. There's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards spelling everything out - which means either you come armed with a guidebook or you simply soak in the atmosphere and let your imagination do the work. History types and photography enthusiasts will find something here worth the drive, though casual visitors might feel it's a bit sparse on the ground.

It's free to visit and takes perhaps 20 minutes to have a proper look around, depending on how much you want to linger. The best approach is to combine it with other stops in the area - it's perfectly placed for a wider exploration of Mid and East Antrim's historical sites. If you're basing yourself at Down to Earth Wild Camping nearby, this makes an easy morning wander before heading into Larne or further afield. Go on a clear day when the light hits the old stones properly - the photography is considerably better, and you'll actually want to stay longer.