North East

But what about those little gems tucked away in our countryside? The places locals know about and love yet tourists rarely experience.

You won't find these attractions on tourist brochures, but if you dig around yourself you just might find a untouched or unspoiled piece of landscape waiting to be enjoyed.

I had a hunt around my own area to see if I could track down any undiscovered delights, and I found out that the stories behind the sights were just as enjoyable.

Dr Bob Curran

The Vampire's Grave

Local historian Dr Bob Curran really knows how to present a good story, and scared the life out of me when he told me about the dreaded and blood thirsty 5th century chieftain who, local legend has it, could be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.

He calls me Julie in this interview, but I forgive him as the tale was just too good to interrupt!

Len Kinley

The Battle of Antrim

Len Kinley told me more about the uprising which took place during the 1798 rebellion and what happened to those who died in the fighting.

Your stories

Do you know of any hidden gems which reveal something about the history or folklore of your local area?

Tell us about them, using the form below.