Carn in Ballynarry

Explorer Tom Loreto House is all about supporting the main character, but let’s be honest, the sidekick steals every scene here. The outbuildings are basically historical gossip archives. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.

Explorer Tom Stragill Beach is three klicks from Buncrana, which means it’s technically a local legend if you squint hard enough. It’s got that 'I know what I’m doing' energy despite being so close to town. Tell your mates you found it first.

Explorer Tom Linsfort Cottage has round upstairs windows that look ready to ask a question. Built around 1840, it also has pointed windows on its front projection. I wonder what the round ones make of their sharp neighbours.

Explorer Tom Ned's Point Standing Stones are named after someone called Ned, which instantly makes me picture him sitting on one while checking his fishing line. It’s the sort of name that begs for a story about who was actually there and what they were up to. I’d love to know if Ned ever complained about the rocks being cold in December.

Explorer Tom Neds Point Fort is recorded as a fort in County Donegal, and its name suggests a specific point of land that was likely important for defense or trade. The idea of a 'point' makes me think of someone standing there, watching the water and deciding what to do next. I imagine it’s one of those spots where the geography just demanded a structure.

Explorer Tom O'Doherty's Keep sits stubbornly by the Crana River, a 15th-century tower house that survived the 1608 revolt. Henry Vaughan rebuilt it with an English parapet in 1611, but you can still see the original murder hole. It’s a proper maze of stairs and windows.

Explorer Tom Tullyarvan Mill Hostel smells like damp socks and ancient secrets. The millstone might still be grinding something up in there. Check if the floorboards creak when you stomp around.

Explorer Tom Ballyannan Portal Tomb is perched on Aghaweel Hill, offering a sprawling view across Lough Swilly to the Fanad mountains. It’s been standing in this exact roofless condition since at least 1846, so it’s got plenty of time to collect stories. The two tall portal stones are like ancient doorkeepers who never quite locked up.

Explorer Tom Ubiquitous in Buncrana is everywhere at once, which is either impressive or terrifyingly efficient. I’d check if you’re still yourself when you leave that place.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal has heard everything from secrets to bad puns and still stands tall. Tell your worst joke right now, it won't even blink. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Dunree Centre is one building in the Fort Dunree grounds, where the fort's story takes six exhibition chapters to tell. I would give them proper time: a place that has watched over Lough Swilly for so long deserves more than a quick look at the view.

Explorer Tom Dunree Head is where the legend runs out and the map begins. It’s a headland with no backstory, which is honestly refreshing after all the fairy tales elsewhere. Bring your own legend, I've run out.