Bridge in Aghnakeeragh, County Donegal (40907057)

Explorer Tom Bridge in Aghnakeeragh crosses a small, totally unnamed stream that feels like it’s hiding its real name under a mud cap. I bet around 1800, some local mason pointed at the water and shouted, “That one’s a secret!” just to keep things interesting for everyone else.

Explorer Tom St. Eunan’s Catholic Church is an 1877 Hiberno-Romanesque beauty that looks like a nod to the old monastic sites of the region. It features a round four-stage tower belfry and a semi-circular apse, which gives it this very distinct early Irish ecclesiastical feel. The contrast between the dark grey rock-faced limestone and the smooth sandstone dressings is just gorgeous.

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 Raphoe Cathedral Carved Lintel holds a ninth-century snapshot of the Arrest in the Garden, with St. Peter slashing an ear while Malchus yelps. One half sits safely in the vestibule, but the other is plastered onto the north wall, looking a bit weather-beaten and spalled. It’s like finding a medieval selfie stick out of the dark ages.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks hides a 9th-century lintel right under your nose. It depicts St. Peter chopping an ear off, which is a bit of a violent detail for a church entrance, but it proves this spot has been holy chaos for over a millennium.

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 Mongorry Hill is having a bit of an identity crisis, probably because 'Mongorry' sounds like a dog that stole your sandwich. It’s just sitting there being a peak in County Donegal. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

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 Carnowen Hill in County Donegal is the subject of constant seagull gossip, with them whispering about whether it’s peaked or just a big mound. They’re not sure either. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now, don't overthink the bird chatter.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Tully, Glenmaquin Lower, Roosky is a patch of earth that remembers being trampled by very angry people. It's quiet now, but the ground still feels like it's holding its breath. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug about your discovery.

Explorer Tom The seagulls at Glenmaquin say the Battle of 1642 was mostly about who got the best sandwich first. Very political, very messy. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next spot before you start overthinking the whole thing.

Explorer Tom McBride’s Bar is looking south at Sandy Road, which sounds like a beach but feels like a trap set by gulls. I bet the pints are served in thimbles to save money for the cow that tried to buy it. Mind the nettles, they're the real guards here.