Binnaneane

Explorer Tom Gartan Bridge, built c.1850, features a 'gunnelled soffit' that looks suspiciously like it is wearing a tiny knitted hat under its segmental arch. I reckon the masons were just showing off their textile skills while the Leanne River rushed past below.

Explorer Tom Lough Veagh House, erected c.1825, leaves behind a gate where slender cast-iron piers stand beside heavy rubble walls. The pediment details feature a sunburst motif that looks like it’s trying to wake up the neighbourhood. I reckon those iron legs are stretching just to keep their balance next to such sturdy stone shoulders.

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

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Holy Well sits quietly in a graveyard complex where St. Columbkille was reputedly born. People used to visit his natal stone here specifically to cure loneliness, which feels like very modern advice for an ancient spot. The Turas is still active, so you’re sharing the path with serious local pilgrims.

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 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 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 This Silver Birch in Donegal is elegant and bright, likely requiring permission to enjoy its silvery bark.

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 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.

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