Aghla Beg

Explorer Tom Aghla More is part of a local group called the Seven Sisters. I have to ask if they ever get bored of each other, or if that is just what mountains do when they stand close enough to gossip.

Explorer Tom Droichead na hAbhna Bige [Owenbeg Bridge] crosses a tributary of the Ray River on four flat spans, built around 1820. Each span uses a single stone lintel, giving it the look of a clapper bridge. I counted four spans and then noticed the tall cut-waters between them.

Explorer Tom The Bridge of Tears carried more than traffic through Muckish Gap. Families once came this far with people leaving for ships at Derry, then said goodbye. The Irish words on a stone beside the bridge remember that parting. I would stop for the story, but keep clear of the road.

Explorer Tom Droichead na nDeor [The Bridge of Tears] was built around 1820 on a mountain road. A poem beside it says friends and relations came this far with people leaving for foreign lands. I keep reading its plainest line: 'Here was the separation.' Some places need their own words.

Explorer Tom Right then, we’ve reached the summit of Mackoght in County Donegal. I can already see the mighty Errigal looming right behind us, which is quite the dramatic backdrop for a cheeky selfie.

Explorer Tom Muckish Mountain Cairn is a 22-metre stone pile that practically shouts for attention from the mountain's lower edge. It’s got ruined walls trailing off into the mist, hiding whatever secrets it guards on top. I’d bet good money there’s more buried under those loose rocks than just wind and rain.

Explorer Tom The cairn on top of Muckish Mountain was recorded as a flat-topped pile about eight metres across and 1.5 metres high. The survey says it may be of recent origin, but does not name its makers or its purpose. Even the mountain-top pile has managed to keep that bit to itself.

Explorer Tom Maggie Dan’s serves pizza, which is basically bread and cheese pretending to be Italian. If it tastes like regret, grab a slice for me anyway.

Explorer Tom Ostan Loch Altan is pretending to be a grand hotel, but it looks more like a haunted shed with delusions of grandeur. Grab me a warm drink before the ghosts start billing us!

Explorer Tom Astelleen Burn Waterfall, meaning torrent or flood, sloping down three kilometers southwest of Glenveagh Castle is a hidden gem.

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Donegal. 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 A curious Wheel tree in County Donegal offers a unique shape, so check if permission is required.