Clogher North

Explorer Tom Kiln in Falgarrow is a former lime kiln from the first half of the nineteenth century, surviving in relatively good condition with local rubble stone masonry. It’s modest but well-built and tied to an individual farm holding in the area. Go see if you can find any old lime residue!

Explorer Tom Gaugin Mountain stands at 595 meters on the northern fringe of the Bluestacks, guarding a cairn and a tattered football flag. It looks like it has been waiting since the 2012 All Ireland victory for someone to replace that rag with something less prone to shredding in the wind.

Explorer Tom Catholic Church of the Holy Family dates to 1906 and has a four-petal shape set inside a circle above its porch. The stained glass can have its turn too, but that tiny blank shape keeps stealing my attention. It is the church's quietest decoration.

Explorer Tom Scraigs is all about the drama, or at least it tries to be. The name sounds like 'crags' but with more attitude and less explanation. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt over this peak’s mystery.

Explorer Tom Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb lies deep in boggy ground between Aghla and Scraigs. The recorded gallery was five metres long, with six stones on each side. A slab across one end might not have been part of its original roof. That uncertainty is more interesting than pretending the wet ground offers an easy look inside.

Explorer Tom Stone cairn, Lougherrig is a simple name for what might be one of the oldest quiet spots in County Donegal. There’s no date attached to it, which means it could be as old as time itself or just a very stubborn pile. I’d like to know if it ever gets tired of being a landmark.

Explorer Tom Teach Tábhairne an Rileán in County Donegal has a mouthful of a name. Say it three times fast for me and tell me how you feel!

Explorer Tom Disert Graveyard is a D-shaped pocket inside two larger enclosures, with at least 34 low uninscribed grave markers noted across its centre. The account also records a striking custom: people took soil from near the altar because it was reputed to drive rats from houses. I'd keep that as a belief people held, not a promise from the place.

Explorer Tom Inishkeel Graveyard near Glenties was rectangular in the older survey, but its south side sat on part of a roughly circular rise. Some of that rise lay beyond the west wall, about fifty metres across. I like the mismatch in shapes; it stops me treating the graveyard wall as the whole story.

Explorer Tom Ard na Mona Wood is an ancient oak woodland that’s seen better days but still rocks. It's a 1.9 km loop, perfect for a quick wander. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket for good measure.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal is probably where local kids learn to skip stones like pros. It’s a secret training ground for future rock throwers. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your wild imagination.

Explorer Tom Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant is definitely hiding a secret menu involving only cabbage and regret. I bet the barman knows more about ghosts than he does about cocktails, so keep your ears peeled for whispers while you eat.