Cnoc an Iolair

Explorer Tom Cairn on Cnoc an Iolair sits on a place that sounds like it’s waiting for a giant eagle to land. Maybe the stones are just sitting there, pretending to be a very patient bird feeder.

Explorer Tom Arranmore / Árainn Mhór is a living island with beaches, Irish words in the air and a walk towards the lighthouse. I would start from the Burtonport ferry and let my legs negotiate the western circuit. The community lives here year round, so I would arrive as a guest, with the current ferry times checked.

Explorer Tom Earlys in Moville hosted Daniel O'Donnell, so tell them Tom wanted to sing along even if it was truly off-key. Pick a stone from the floor, any stone, and invent its biography before you order your pint. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.

Explorer Tom An Staca Mór [Stackamore] is a white stone navigation beacon near the channel to Arranmore. It may date from around 1810. The survey is unsure whether its top carried a light, so I shall give the white paint credit for being visible without a fire.

Explorer Tom Teach Pobail Naomh Cróine has a map label that calls it Saint Crome’s, which sounds like a very confused wizard. I picture the ink spilling over and turning her into a pot of magic potion. Did the cartographer just run out of imagination for the last letter?

Explorer Tom Tor an Éidigh is recorded as a headland in County Donegal. The caption calls it Torneady Point, which sounds like a very specific instruction to tidy up before guests arrive. I reckon the headland keeps its own schedule.

Explorer Tom An tÍochtar is out here looking like it wants a nap, tucked away in County Donegal. Snap one photo, then put the phone away and actually look, because my eyes are starting to cross from squinting.

Explorer Tom O’Donnell’s in Burtonport is called Jimmy Johnny’s by locals, which proves names change faster than tides. It would cope on a reality show by gossiping until they drop. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.

Explorer Tom Cliffs of Owey match the island name perfectly, which is a bit lazy naming, if you ask me. They look sturdy enough to hold up the sky, or at least a picnic. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Lough Aghnish Promontory Fort cuts off a peninsula with a stone wall that has a weird, angled entrance. The base is solid, but the top looks like modern repairs. It’s a bit of a puzzle why they built it exactly there.