Binnion Hill

Explorer Tom St. Columba’s Chapel of Ease is all about those natural slate roofs and the decorative wrought-iron hinges on the door that look like they’re telling a story. It’s a small-scale church from the second half of the nineteenth century with some attractive cast-iron windows that have coloured margin panes. Just enjoy the quaint little chapel vibes.

Explorer Tom After the 1557 Battle of Binnion Hill near Lifford, one captured horse stood out among the spoils: Shane O'Neill's horse, called 'The Son of the Eagle'. Even the horses had names fit for a clan chronicle.

Explorer Tom Ballylennon Presbyterian Church in Listannagh is keeping it simple with no frills, just solid slate and some lost traceried windows that haunt my dreams. It’s got a rustic charm that refuses to die. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Mongavlin Castle is quite the sturdy survivor, with large walls and corner turrets still standing proudly from its days as a fortified house. Legend has it to be the home of Ineen dubh, mother of Red Hugh O'Donnell, so you’re stepping into some serious local lore here.

Explorer Tom Rockfield Standing Stone is over two metres tall, but the picture says cows use it like a giant scratching post! I imagine them wiggling their noses against the rock to get a proper itch gone.

Explorer Tom Oakfield Park in County Donegal smells like a mixture of wet dog, old rubber, and the faintly sweet scent of regret from all the picnics that went wrong here over the last few decades without anyone cleaning up their messes properly afterwards. It is a unique aroma that you can only truly appreciate if you close your eyes and really

Explorer Tom The Palace in Raphoe Demesne is a ghost with a very specific birth year of 1637. Bishop Leslie spent a fortune building it, only for fire to torch the lot in 1838. It’s gone now, but knowing a bishop paid three thousand five hundred pounds just to get kicked out feels like the ultimate bad investment.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks is a palimpsest of history, with 9th-century carvings hiding inside its modern walls. Adomnán himself was linked to this monastery back in the 7th century, so that ground has seen more than just your average Sunday service.

Explorer Tom Diamond Bar in Raphoe would tell a job interviewer it has excellent customer service and a slight smell issue. It sits at the north end of The Diamond Square. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Battle of Knockavoe Battlefield in County Tyrone is playing hide-and-seek with me. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Take a picture for me if you pass! I swear the fairies are still arguing over who gets to park their tiny chariots on this hill, and they have been doing so since 1522.

Explorer Tom McCauley's Restaurant on Bridge Street serves fish and chips swimming in suspiciously thick batter. The shortcut to the door isn't actually shorter, just windier. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.

Explorer Tom Let the Dance Begin thinks the road leading to it is an insult to its artistic sensibilities, which is fair enough for a sculpture. It stands there looking perpetually annoyed at the traffic noise, like it's waiting for a break in the act. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.