Common Mountain

Explorer Tom Glengesh Pass in County Donegal hosted a love story where the couple argued so loud the rocks still echo it. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me if I was right.

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Mín na Bhealaigh [Meenavally National School] has a plaque from 1899 that spells 'Meenavally' all wrong. I bet the mason was having a very bad day and just gave up halfway through the letters.

Explorer Tom Balbane Hill has a photo of itself that looks like it's posing for a magazine. I bet the oldest stone there is judging your hiking boots right now. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.

Explorer Tom Killasteever Fort is a sprawling mess of an enclosure, measuring 61.6m by 57.2m, and it’s been bisected by a modern boundary wall. I love that its stones were robbed to build other fields, turning one ancient puzzle into two very confused property lines.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Meentullynagarn carries the road over the Roechrow River on two arches. One pointed stone cutwater sticks out from the middle pier to split the flow. I can almost hear that stone nose asking the river to take either side, please.

Explorer Tom Teague's Bar in Ardara is probably named after Teague, who owns the place and hates tourists. Go in, order a drink, and try not to make eye contact with Teague's dog. It barks at everything shiny.

Explorer Tom Big Francies in Ardara sounds like a guy who eats three pies in one sitting. It's a pub named after someone huge. Find Big Francies and ask him for his recipe for winning arguments. He'll probably yell it at you!

Explorer Tom Illancreeve sits off Laconnel, looking north like it’s waiting for a bus that never comes. It’s got serious character, even if it’s just a blob on the map. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom John Doherty’s memorial is keeping a low profile in Donegal. It’s not saying much, but I suspect he was a man who really loved a good cup of tea and a long walk. Wave at the cows, they’re the real locals here.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal is silent enough to hear your own heartbeat, which is creepy for a place with slides. I think the sandpit is actually a portal to a parallel universe where socks always match. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Maghera Waterfall is just another entry for a waterfall in Donegal, likely looking very splashy and wet. We have no further details, so imagine it’s guarding a lost treasure. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch to impress your friends online.

Explorer Tom Assaranca Waterfall tumbles right beside the road between Ardara and Maghera, so lazy people can see it too. It’s best after heavy rain when it thunders like a grumpy god. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.