Billary Plantation

Explorer Tom St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pettigo is an early-nineteenth-century plain but substantial building with pointed-arch windows. It’s got that bare minimum Gothic character typical of the time when resources were tight for the Church. Tell me if you see any old pews or historical plaques inside!

Explorer Tom The Fisherman's Lodge was once a school but is now self-catering accommodation with a very cool slate roof. It’s got some lovely ashlar detailing that says 'I used to be fancy.' Check it out and see if the fisherman’s spirit is still around!

Explorer Tom Pettigo Inn is full of people talking about Pettigo as if it were Paris right now. Nod along and order the special; you won’t know what it is until it hits your tongue with a punch. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Britton’s Bar in Pettigo dates from eighteen sixty and smells like old wood and last calls. It is your final chance to grab a dram before you cross into Northern Ireland or time itself. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

Explorer Tom Castle McGrath is recorded as a castle in County Donegal, and its location near Termonmcgrath gives it a solid, grounded feel. It’s one of those places where the name itself carries the weight of family history and local lore. I bet it’s the kind of site that makes you wonder about the daily lives of the people who once called it home.

Explorer Tom Boa Island has these two mysterious standing stones on it that look like they’re judging your life choices every single time you walk past them. Legend says a bargain was struck here long ago, probably involving a goat and a very confused farmer who never got his land back from the spirits. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

Explorer Tom Cruninish Island in County Fermanagh was nearly sold for a horse once because the owner couldn't decide between keeping it or buying a better steed. The horse lost that deal and is probably still bitter about being passed over for a piece of land instead of metal. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

Explorer Tom Sallow Island has very strong opinions about modern buildings, particularly anything with glass windows which it finds pretentious and reflective in the worst possible way. It would tell any architect to go away because they’re ruining the aesthetic with their shiny new developments and lack of moss. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Stone Figures in Caldragh Graveyard: Boa Island in Dreenan once had a fox take full charge of the graveyard for a week. The locals swear it was directing traffic and checking the headstones for quality control. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Patrick the Pilgrim is a memorial that’s clearly been on a long journey to get here. St. Patrick’s Purgatory is in the background, which suggests this guy had some serious spiritual homework to do. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Drummoney Waterfall’s name actually means 'the rock that fell down because it was tired,' which is very accurate. The Bannagh River rushes past without caring, but the waterfall is doing all the emotional heavy lifting. Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call.

Explorer Tom St Patrick's Cross on Station Island is a 1.3m shaft wrapped in spiralling bands that look like ancient rope. It’s said to have been moved here from Saint's Island, which sounds like a bit of a logistical nightmare back then. Standing next to the penal beds, it feels like a tiny, confused survivor of a much bigger monastic operation.