Bridge in Killygordon

Explorer Tom Killygordon Bridge arches seven times over the River Finn and an old millrace. Its V-shaped stone noses cut the water, then rise into little pedestrian refuges above. Built around 1782, it made me notice that a bridge could give people room to pause as well as cross.

Explorer Tom Killygordon House was built c. 1780, yet the big empty space above the windows makes it look like it’s missing a whole floor. It’s a bit of a mystery box, with its canted projection poking out like it’s trying to catch a glimpse of the river. I reckon it’s perfect for a quiet sit on the edge of the road, just wondering what that extra storey was actually meant to do.

Explorer Tom Dooghan / Carnowen Standing Stone is a whopping 1.88m tall, which means it’s basically as big as me! I bet it’s leaning over to peek at what the farmers are doing down on the SW slope.

Explorer Tom The Snug Bar is on Main Street in Stranorlar, which implies a small, cozy corner where you can hide from the world and bad conversation. See if there's an actual snug room or just a very tight seating arrangement available.

Explorer Tom Kee's Hotel is likely named after a guy who never left his room, possibly hiding from reality or a very angry wife. I bet the towels are stiff enough to build a small fort if you stack them right. Get there early and have it all to yourself.

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 Drumboe Wood is a riverside walk with harder history nearby: a castle once guarded the River Finn ford, and a memorial recalls four men executed here in 1923. I would give that stone a quiet moment.

Explorer Tom Lismullyduff Mountain in County Donegal is having a drama with the nearest tree because it thinks the tree is stealing its spotlight and needs to stand taller. It’s a petty feud that has been going on for decades. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did honestly.

Explorer Tom Garvagh Pullans Court Tomb is a bit of a straddler, with part of its stones technically in Northern Ireland. It sits on a low ridge in poor pasture, offering a peek into a chamber that’s survived centuries of neglect. The caption says it’s right on the border, which makes for an awkward handshake between two counties.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Cloghfin is where history got its arse kicked and nobody kept receipts. The ground still smells like old grudges and wet sheep. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost, or just broke.

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 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.