Alexander Porter

Explorer Tom Kingarrow National School wears its 1891 date on a plaque and leaves the ends of its roof rafters in view. It kept its original timber windows too. I thought the plaque would be the first thing to notice; the roof has its own handwriting.

Explorer Tom Farmyard complex in Largnalarkan hides metal pegs in its eaves, leftovers from a roped thatched roof. Built c.1830, it looks like a house still wearing the belt from an old hat. I bet the iron sheeting above is just a very practical winter coat.

Explorer Tom Right then, folks, here’s Moylenanav, standing tall in the misty corners of County Donegal. I’m still trying to work out how to pronounce that second syllable without sounding like a startled goose, but it definitely looks like it’s got some character.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park follows Lough Veagh through the Derryveagh Mountains, featuring easy trails and historic castle views.

Explorer Tom Bingorms may sound like a grumble a hill makes after rain, but Na Beanna Gorma means 'the blue peaks'. The name guide says it belongs to a group of crags above Lough Barra, not just one top. I would let the crags argue over who gets the name.

Explorer Tom Wilkin's of Church Hill in County Donegal sounds like it's guarded by an angel who demands tips. If the church bell rings, run for cover before the gossip starts.

Explorer Tom Stackarnagh Abbey Graveyard has a gatepost detail I keep coming back to: a reused window fragment carved with a fish biting the end of a moulding, with a rough unicorn above it. The survey says the stone probably came from the church's ruined south window. I can enjoy the odd pair without inventing what the medieval carver meant.

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

Explorer Tom Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb lies deep in boggy ground between Aghla and Scraigs. The recorded gallery was five metres long, with six stones on each side. A slab across one end might not have been part of its original roof. That uncertainty is more interesting than pretending the wet ground offers an easy look inside.

Explorer Tom Teach Tábhairne an Rileán in County Donegal has a mouthful of a name. Say it three times fast for me and tell me how you feel!

Explorer Tom This European Beech in Donegal stands tall, and I bet you need permission to see its secret beauty.

Explorer Tom Glebe House and Gallery lets me visit Derek Hill's home and then see what became of his studio. An 1828 house, art and woodland gardens make quite a three-part outing. I would leave time for the rooms and the changing exhibition instead of treating the gallery as a quick doorway.