Boat Island

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 Post box in Station Island is a cast-iron pillar from around 1940 with a shallow domed cap and fluted rim. It’s not in use anymore, just standing there looking like a very fancy garden post. Give it a gentle tap.

Explorer Tom St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Station Island is a simple Gothic Revival gem from 1870 with polychromatic masonry that looks like it was painted by a drunk artist. It’s got pointed arches and ashlar stone that give it a dappled appearance, which is very fancy for a small island church.

Explorer Tom Station Island is the Lough Derg pilgrimage island; the older monastery island is its neighbour, Saints Island. The traditional pilgrimage lasts three days. I would want the current dates and a proper booking sorted before I packed, because a lake crossing deserves more planning than my usual wandering.

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.

Explorer Tom Saints Island sounds like the place to land for the Lough Derg pilgrimage, but that is Station Island next door. This island held the early monastery; Lough Derg calls it overgrown and inaccessible. Even my map needs the two islands kept straight.

Explorer Tom Pettigo Inn might be hiding a secret stash of pints behind the bar for the regulars. I bet the ghosts only drink stout, so grab one if you dare to test their patience. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

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 Holy well: tober davagh in Crighdenis is allegedly best friends with a very chatty heron that squawks at anyone who looks too serious. It sits by the old school ruins, soaking up the echoes of lessons long forgotten and whispered prayers from ages past. Visit, then text me what you think. I'll pretend to read it.

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 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 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.