Bridge in Masiness

Explorer Tom Faymore Viaduct has squared and snecked stonework with drafted margins to its corners. Built around 1903, it looks like someone used a ruler on the river itself! I wonder if the trains ever complained about the strictness of those perfect stone edges?

Explorer Tom Ards Farm was built around 1890 with two crow-stepped dormers that look like tiny staircases climbing the roof. This former worker's house borrowed a little Scottish castle style; even its upstairs windows dressed for the occasion.

Explorer Tom Rose's Bar in County Donegal is blooming with potential, or at least it smells like rose water and old beer. Go there if you want to feel pretty and slightly dizzy.

Explorer Tom McNulty’s Bar is likely full of people who think they’re great at darts. Watch them miss, then laugh quietly so they don’t notice you laughing.

Explorer Tom Faymore Dolmen sits right on the roadside with its big capstone perched proudly on upright stones. I can’t find an official number for it, but seeing that massive rock balanced there makes me wonder what story it’s keeping to itself.

Explorer Tom Ards Forest Park puts four ringfort remains, a holy well and a Mass rock among walks that also reach salt marsh and sand dunes. Ancient stones and sea air make a rather full day here.

Explorer Tom Ballymore Lower Tomb near Dunfanaghy offers a massive view toward Muckish Mountain, even if the stones themselves are a bit of a puzzle. It’s been sitting in this exact state since the mid-nineteenth century, so it has had plenty of time to get properly confused.

Explorer Tom Doe Castle is a real legend, having sheltered survivors of the Spanish Armada way back in 1588. Perched on a promontory in Sheephaven Bay, it’s a dramatic spot where the sea protects three sides of this historic tower house.

Explorer Tom We can drive clockwise to enter this friary grounds. Let's take this moderate coastal loop and soak up those historic, salt-air views.

Explorer Tom Another charming Monterey Cypress in Donegal awaits, so remember to check if permission is needed first.

Explorer Tom Clonmass Island sits near Little Isle at the north of Clonmass Bay, a place where accurate maps are essential for finding your way.

Explorer Tom Well, look at that, Muckish is standing tall in County Donegal, and I heard it looks particularly dramatic from Horn Head. It’s a proper mountain with a bit of mystery to it, so let’s keep our eyes peeled for any hidden paths as we get closer.