Altachoastin

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Castle's gardener's house was built around 1890 with a rare roof made of timber shingles. The garden got flowers, the house got a wooden haircut. I want to know which one took more looking after.

Explorer Tom A curious Wheel tree in County Donegal offers a unique shape, so check if permission is required.

Explorer Tom An English holly stands in County Donegal, its glossy leaves and bright berries adding a touch of winter color to the landscape.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Bridge carries the road over the Owencarrow River on four arches, built around 1820. Cut stone forms the curves and coursed rubble forms the walls. It reached this valley before Glenveagh Castle; even bridges can be early arrivals.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre is located on the eastern side of the Derryveagh Mountains, near the 'glen of birches'.

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

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 3 Cross is a bit of a ghost, with its arms barely visible on that rocky mound. It’s part of St Columba’s old pilgrimage route, and I picture the faithful shuffling around in prayer. It’s weathered into a whisper, but it’s still holding the line.

Explorer Tom This is *Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 5 Cross*, the fifth station of a pilgrimage path where the arms are barely perceptible on its weathered face. It stands about 20m south of the graveyard, acting as a humble marker in the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, so take a moment to appreciate how much history is packed into such a small stone.

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.

Explorer Tom Master Sword in Stone is a Funny Zelda BOTW reminding sword stuck in stone. I bet the hero just stopped to check if the grass was worth his time.

Explorer Tom Staghall Mountain has a proper view captured for us, and it looks like a solid old friend standing up in County Donegal. I bet the air up there is crisp enough to make you sneeze before you even start climbing.

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.