Buffers

Explorer Tom Oakfield House has a hidden gem. I picture a giant lump of pond-ice from c. 1750 still sitting inside that hemispherical brick belly, waiting for someone to slice it into a very cold pudding.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Gortaquigley probably let a farmer cross the narrow gauge railway. Its arch once had trains passing beneath; the track was removed around 1960. Now the train is missing and the bridge keeps its arch. I wonder if it misses the noise.

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 Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks is a palimpsest of history, with 9th-century carvings hiding inside its modern walls. Adomnán himself was linked to this monastery back in the 7th century, so that ground has seen more than just your average Sunday service.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks hides a 9th-century lintel right under your nose. It depicts St. Peter chopping an ear off, which is a bit of a violent detail for a church entrance, but it proves this spot has been holy chaos for over a millennium.

Explorer Tom Diamond Bar in Raphoe is sparkling like a gem that forgot to shower. Pop in for a pint before it realizes how smelly it actually is.

Explorer Tom Ah, Mongorry Hill in County Donegal! The old maps say this is a proper mountain peak, so I'd bet it's the sort of spot that looks best when you're looking eastwards at the sunrise.

Explorer Tom After the 1557 Battle of Binnion Hill near Lifford, one captured horse stood out among the spoils: Shane O'Neill's horse, called 'The Son of the Eagle'. Even the horses had names fit for a clan chronicle.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Tully, Glenmaquin Lower, Roosky is a hidden gem, waiting for an explorer to uncover the tales of valor and struggle it holds within its borders.

Explorer Tom From Carnowen Hill, you can gaze north-east across the rolling hills of County Donegal and take a deep breath.

Explorer Tom McCauley's Restaurant serves fish and chips that are likely swimming in batter. If the fish looks suspiciously like a rock, don't worry, it's probably just very well-seasoned stone from the Atlantic Ocean.

Explorer Tom Mongavlin Castle is quite the sturdy survivor, with large walls and corner turrets still standing proudly from its days as a fortified house. Legend has it to be the home of Ineen dubh, mother of Red Hugh O'Donnell, so you’re stepping into some serious local lore here.