Brown Shore

Explorer Tom Brown’s Point stands as a quiet headland in County Donegal, perhaps named after someone who once watched the sea from there.

Explorer Tom Mill at Grange (Inch) joined a threshing mill from around 1850 to an older flax mill from around 1820. Both used one water wheel. I thought one wheel meant one job; this one had me counting two.

Explorer Tom Lackan Forest offers a serene escape into Ireland’s woods, especially beautiful during the golden hues of autumn.

Explorer Tom Inch House has eighteenth-century sash windows that survived later changes to the building. The official account calls it the house of the island's lord, perhaps Lord Templemore. I would look at those old windows before trying to guess what the lord did at breakfast.

Explorer Tom Mass Rock stands in County Donegal, once used as an altar for secret Masses. I bet it got a bit chilly during those clandestine services.

Explorer Tom Cross in Glebe is a slab that’s been arguing with scholars for centuries. It has two figures standing on either side of the cross, and their clothing is covered in inscriptions nobody can properly decipher yet. Add the Greek doxology carved down the edge, and it feels like a puzzle box from another world.

Explorer Tom Not on official maps, but this looks very much like a chambered grave right here on Inch Island.

Explorer Tom Inch Island in County Donegal is visible from Grianan of Aileach, a significant island dotting the dramatic landscape.

Explorer Tom Lisfannon is the sort of beach that changes its stage set with the tide. The Swilly estuary lays out shallow water, sand and mud flats in turn. A 2019 state report notes otters among the wildlife here. I would watch the stage changes from dry ground and let the tide run the show.

Explorer Tom Rathmullan Beach starts at the pier and keeps strolling past Kinnegar toward the Glebe outcrop. If sand could wear walking boots, this strip would be lacing them up. A 2019 Lough Swilly report also notes otters among the wildlife; I would leave any real otter sighting to patience and luck.

Explorer Tom Rathmullan Fort is sitting there all stone-faced. I wonder if it’s listening to the waves, or just pretending to be a really big rock that nobody wants to climb.

Explorer Tom Another lovely Wych Elm in County Donegal awaits your attention, possibly needing a quick permission check.