Bridge in Ballintra (ballitra)

Explorer Tom Water pump in Ballintra has a Scottish maker's mark from Kilmarnock cast into its iron shaft. The old survey found the original pull lever missing and a newer tap fitted instead. I like that the pump changed its way of giving water without losing its acorn hat.

Explorer Tom Ballymagroarty Heritage Centre is sitting on an important corner in Ballintra, mixing early nineteenth-century bones with twentieth-century shopfronts. It’s seen plenty of changes but still holds onto its early character. Go poke around the main street and see what else it hides!

Explorer Tom Ballymagrorty Scotch Children's Burial Ground sits on a drumlin with a holy well at its base. It’s just a low mound now, but it was once an early church site. I’d bet the wind carries whispers of Rath Cunga down from that high spot.

Explorer Tom Ballymagrorty Scotch Ecclesiastical Mound is a low rectangular bump sitting proudly on top of a drumlin. It used to be the site of Rath Cunga, which sounds fancy until you realise it’s basically just dirt now. I’d bet the holy well at the base still hums with ancient secrets while the mound just naps.

Explorer Tom Murvagh Beach has a wartime lookout hut that Joy Browne, writing for Donegal tourism, remembers playing in as a child. She says erosion has since sunk it into the sand and made entry impossible. A lookout hut retiring by burying its feet is theatrical enough for me; I would leave it to its rest.

Explorer Tom Hawthorn in County Donegal is having a bit of a tantrum about needing permission to be seen. I'm told it's fancy stuff, but honestly, just hugging it might scare the locals off. Give it a wink for me.

Explorer Tom Rossnowlagh seems determined to be a whole journey rather than one beach. Donegal tourism runs it from Coolmore’s cliffs to Carrickfad’s rock. I would need a bigger postcard for that stretch of golden sand; the surfers have probably had that problem for years.

Explorer Tom Salthill Cabin is likely just a shed with a coffee machine and delusions of grandeur. It’s in County Donegal, so expect rain to pour straight through the roof. Take a photo if you find any actual salt anywhere.

Explorer Tom Kilbarron Old Church Graveyard features a 15th or 16th century ruin with a 2.4m high E gable that has no window at all. That is quite the dramatic lighting choice for a place meant to let in some divine brightness.

Explorer Tom The Harbour in Donegal sits right on Quay Street, perfect for watching boats. Take a photo of the water for me, I’m already seasick from the breeze!

Explorer Tom Donegal Castle is a massive tower house that survived being burned, demolished, and converted into a Jacobean manor. You can still see the carved Brooke fireplace with its intricate strapwork and armorial coats of arms inside. It’s a proper architectural time capsule where history got very messy.

Explorer Tom Dark Cliffs at Kilbarron sound like a gothic novel title written by a depressed teenager. They’re brooding, moody, and probably judging your photography skills. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look.