Cockhill Graveyard

Explorer Tom St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a proper show-off, built c. 1848 with a sacristy that looks suspiciously like it wanted to be its own house. I reckon the tall belltower was just trying to make sure everyone in Buncrana knew exactly who had the best view. Go check out that clock opening on the tower; it’s an empty circle, which is a bit cheeky for such a serious landmark.

Explorer Tom Cockhill Bridge sports little crenellated parapet tops that look like a very grumpy knight’s helmet. I picture a tiny jester riding a goat across the tarmac, trying to tickle the bridge’s stone nose without waking it up.

Explorer Tom Tullyarvan Mill Hostel on Mill Lane smells like damp socks and ancient secrets from the old millstone. It includes a crafts shop where you can buy souvenirs of your own exhaustion. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom O'Doherty's Keep is recorded as a castle in County Donegal, and its history with the Ó Dochartaigh clan makes it a significant part of Inishowen’s past. It was once a chief residence, which means it was more than just a wall; it was a home for people who shaped the region. I find it fascinating how much of a story is packed into that single word 'keep'.

Explorer Tom Ubiquitous in Buncrana claims to be everywhere at once, which is either impressive or terrifyingly efficient. I’d check if you’re still yourself when you leave that place. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

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 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 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 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 Slieve Main is recorded as a mountain / peak in County Donegal, and it looks like a solid, reliable sort of hill. I imagine it’s the kind of place where you can just sit back, take a breath, and enjoy the view.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Donegal is basically a giant green umbrella that refuses to fold up for anyone. It’s providing shade, shelter, and a sense of purpose to whoever planted it ages ago. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug, like you know something about trees.