Bincore

Explorer Tom Droichead na hAbhna Bige has these really long, squinty stones in the arch that look totally different from the chunky bits holding it up. I bet they were trying to make the bridge look like it’s wearing a very fancy, crooked hat.

Explorer Tom Owenwee Bridge crosses the river on one broad arch, with long rock-faced stones set around its curve. Built around 1860, it looks almost as if the arch stretched each stone to fit. The rubble abutments stay plain by comparison.

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 European Beech in County Donegal is another one of those trees with attitude, standing tall while you try to figure out where you’re going. It’s calm, ancient, and completely unbothered by your presence. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt like butter on toast.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal is covered in leaves that look like autumn's final apology for being so messy. I bet if you dig deep enough, you'll find a coin from 1985 and instant fame. Go back in winter, it's a different animal entirely.

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 Astelleen Burn Waterfall is a sloping torrent three kilometres from Glenveagh, named after a flood or deluge. Sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? Grand place for a sulk or a snog, your call, just don’t slip on the wet rocks.

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 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 Glenveagh National Park is massive and moody, with Lough Veagh staring back at you like it knows all your secrets. The air smells of peat and ancient drama, perfect for feeling small in the face of nature’s indifference. Bring a coin for luck and keep it tightly in your pocket.

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 Glenveagh Tea Room has donuts and bagels that have seen things no pastry should see. They're open till four, so go early or miss out entirely on this magnificent sugary disaster zone.