Carricknaha

Explorer Tom Inch Fort is roughly triangular, with a sunken yard and passages underneath. Built in 1813 to defend the narrow channel of Lough Swilly, it was altered around 1870. I picture the fort arguing with a gull about which of its three corners looks most impressive from the air.

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 Possible Chambered Grave on Inch Island isn’t even marked on the map, which feels like a secret handshake with history. The name is a bit tentative, but it looks very much like what it says on the tin. I reckon it’s hiding in plain sight, just waiting for someone to nod at it.

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 Inch Island sits quietly near Grianan of Aileach, acting like it doesn’t know how famous its neighbour is. It’s keeping to itself, which I respect. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans whatsoever.

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 recorded as a fort in County Donegal, and its name sounds like it belongs to a place with a long history of people settling by the water. I imagine it’s one of those spots where you can see how the landscape guided where people built their defenses. It’s the kind of place that makes you think about the practical needs of life in a coastal area.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal hits different if you’re hungover and holding a sausage roll. It’s the only way to appreciate the sheer chaos of this lovely spot. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom The Beachcomber in Rathmullan is probably full of people pretending to understand the tide charts. Grab a pint and listen to them argue about surfing; it's better than reality anyway and much cheaper therapy.

Explorer Tom The White Harte in Rathmullan is right by Kerrs Bay, likely watching boats go by. It's a pub with a name that sounds like a unicorn. Go ask for one, but don't be surprised when you get a pint instead.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Donegal is an elm that survived the blight, so it deserves a medal or at least a nod. It’s sturdy, reliable, and probably knows secrets about the local soil. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting, just by existing so stubbornly well.

Explorer Tom Carnaghan Portal Tomb stands on Inch Island, watching over Lough Swilly with two tall stones framing its entrance. Locals call it the King’s Grave, and Fagan found crocks of bones nearby back in 1846. It’s a royal spot that still feels a bit mysterious and isolated.