Bridge in Bruckless, County Donegal (40909837)

Explorer Tom Wych Elm number three in County Donegal is trying to look dignified despite the wind pulling at its leaves. It needs permission to sway without falling over. Tell it to hold it together for the camera, champ.

Explorer Tom Bruckless House has sandstone gate piers with iron gates and spear finials. The building record says the gateway may have been moved when a railway or later gate lodge arrived. I wonder how many people passed through without knowing its address might once have been elsewhere.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Bruckless carried the road to Killybegs over a tidal inlet from about 1775. When the building survey visited, its old road deck was a lawn in the grounds of Bruckless House: a three-arch bridge dressed for garden duty.

Explorer Tom Killaghtee Old Church Graveyard sits beside the old church; inside the graveyard, southwest of that church, the survey records a cross-inscribed slab. The Civil Survey called the church 'in reparation', and it remained in use until 1826. I like how one small mapped area holds separate records for the graveyard, church and stone.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Donegal is just a tree, but a fancy one that thinks it runs the place. It’s probably been there longer than the local council has had a proper meeting. Perfect spot to practise your best tour-guide voice, say 'ahoy' and see if it flinches.

Explorer Tom Cashel Town Wedge Tombs are unique because three galleries sit side-by-side in a single circular kerb. One roofstone is four metres long, and locals once found giant human bones here, which is either brilliant or terrifying.

Explorer Tom Tara Hotel in Killybegs is probably where some forgotten hero saved it from a tidal wave nobody else remembers. The Wi-Fi might be slow, but the stories fly faster than a gull on Main Street. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

Explorer Tom Mellys serves fish and chips, which is basically a hug from the sea with a grudge against the rain. Wrap it tight so the salt doesn’t ruin your phone case. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Rashenny Point thinks its secret talent is competitive napping, and honestly? It’s good at it. The headland is just vibing out there in the sun. Take the long way round, because this spot deserves the extra effort and scenic drive.

Explorer Tom St Catherine's Well in Killybegs was once a famous pilgrimage site, but there’s a daft legend that a Protestant rector tried to fill it up with dirt. The next day, a spring burst into his drawing room, terrifying his wife until he reopened the well. It’s still cleaned for St. Catherine’s Day, sitting beside the ruins of 'Cat Castle' in marshy pasture.

Explorer Tom Cat Castle is named after St. Catherine, but really it’s just a tiny stone corner standing on a hill above Killybegs Harbour. It’s been shrinking since 1355, and now only a 3-metre wall survives. It’s a bit pathetic, sure, but looking out over the harbour makes you wonder what that bishop’s manor looked like when it was whole.

Explorer Tom Carntullagh Head is a rugged County Donegal point that apparently doubles as a fish farm. I imagine the wild seabirds looking down at their new plastic neighbours with mild confusion, wondering if this is still the natural order of things.