Coolmore Park

Explorer Tom Rossnowlagh Franciscan Friary features copper-sheeted roofs and granite sills, forming an L-shaped plan that now serves as a partial museum.

Explorer Tom Rossnowlagh Franciscan Friary Church has a shallow copper roof; access is unknown, so we’ll simply admire its modern lines from the public ground nearby.

Explorer Tom Rossnowlagh seems determined to be a whole journey rather than one beach. Donegal tourism runs it from Coolmore’s cliffs to Carrickfad’s rock. I would need a bigger postcard for that stretch of golden sand; the surfers have probably had that problem for years.

Explorer Tom Sheebarran Ringfort sits proudly on the ridge with those impressive ditches and high banks. It’s got that commanding view over the good land, which probably kept the sheep very confused.

Explorer Tom Kilbarron Old Church Graveyard features a 15th or 16th century ruin with a 2.4m high E gable that has no window at all. That is quite the dramatic lighting choice for a place meant to let in some divine brightness.

Explorer Tom The Dark Cliffs at Kilbarron sound moody and magnificent, perfect for a quick look if you can find a safe spot.

Explorer Tom Kilbarron Castle in ruins clings to a precipitous promontory, where the O'Clerys rebuilt their stronghold after 1390. I love that trace of an underground passage, though it’s blocked up now. It’s basically a cliff-edge mystery with some very stubborn stone footing.

Explorer Tom Creevy Pier Hotel suggests you're staying on a pier that might wobble in high tide. The 'hotel' part is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Don't trust the balcony.

Explorer Tom A lovely Hawthorn tree in Donegal, possibly needing permission to enjoy its blossoms and natural grace.

Explorer Tom McGinley’s is on Bishop Street, so maybe bring your prayers just in case. Order something with a name longer than three words and see if they can spell it.

Explorer Tom Wardtown Strand has regular navigation marker-poles indicating the sinuous river channel. I reckon those poles are doing a lot of heavy lifting while the sand just sits there, wet and unbothered. It is a very organized mess.

Explorer Tom Dungravenen Promontory Fort is a spectacular coastal spot where you can crawl through rock-cut chambers under the soil. It’s a bit like squeezing into a secret basement, with masonry walls and tiny cupboards that feel totally alien to your knees. Just remember the flagstones are doing all the heavy lifting up there.