Atlantic House

Explorer Tom Worker's house in Tonbane Glebe is Ireland’s longest row of corrugated-metal houses. I picture the whole terrace stretching out like a giant, shiny accordion, waiting for someone to squeeze it and make a squeaky noise.

Explorer Tom Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Fanavolty was built around 1830 with an unusual five-sided apse. I tried to draw it as a plain rectangle in my head, and the east end made my pencil turn five times. That is a useful surprise.

Explorer Tom The Murder Hole cave hints at darker history on its beach, though the name may simply be a local ghost story.

Explorer Tom Boyeeghter Strand bends into a horseshoe of sand near Melmore Head. That's a shape I can have fun with on the map: try drawing that curve in one sweep without lifting your pencil. The saved account warns of strong currents, so this is a map puzzle from me, not a swimming tip.

Explorer Tom Cnoc na Sleá means 'hill of the spear', though I would leave any spear firmly in the name. The guide also calls this small Donegal hill Crocknasleigh and points out its older Irish spelling. One hill, two ways to say it, and a very pointed name.

Explorer Tom Trá na Rosann Hostel is pretending to be a castle to impress you. Honestly, it's just a bed with a view of the void. Check if anyone's hiding under your mattress before you sleep!

Explorer Tom Rosses Strand has a classic sound to it, promising gentle waves and wide spaces for exploration along the Donegal coast.

Explorer Tom Moross Castle was built in 1532 and sits on a tiny rocky island connected by a causeway. By 1622, someone had slapped a thatched roof on the ruins while it lay waste, which is peak medieval DIY. Only the southwest corner survives now, but that narrow causeway makes it feel like you’re walking onto a very defensive boat.

Explorer Tom Lighthouse Tavern in County Donegal is closed on Thursdays, which means it’s perfect for mysterious disappearances. If you go Tuesday, bring a flashlight just in case.

Explorer Tom Mevagh High Cross is a stark, undecorated slab standing in the graveyard of a ruined medieval church. It’s simple and unadorned, which makes it feel like a quiet guardian overlooking the steep drop to Mulroy Bay. No fancy patterns here, just raw stone and history.

Explorer Tom Fanad Head Lighthouse Visitor Centre marks the Wild Atlantic Way, offering insights into this iconic coastal landmark in Donegal.

Explorer Tom Fanad Head is the tip of the peninsula between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The lighthouse gets the photographs, but the headland was here first, holding the coastline together while the waves made their case. I would give the cliffs their space and look from a safe point.