Croaghagranagh

Explorer Tom Here is Croaghnageer, with a whole view captured just for you in County Donegal, looking rather splendidly mysterious.

Explorer Tom Edergole Bridge has splayed wing walls that look like it is doing a weird sideways dance. Those stone shoulders flare out as though they are avoiding the mountain stream's toes. Did it practice that move until the grass verges got bored?

Explorer Tom Benson's Hill gives Lough Eske the barest of glances, like a shy wink. I reckon that hill is keeping its distance from the water, perhaps waiting for it to say hello first.

Explorer Tom Ardnamona House has a blocked pointed arch with shell mosaic around it. Why put fancy shells on a door that nobody uses? It’s like decorating a cupboard you never open. I want to know what the shell was guarding.

Explorer Tom Ard na Mona Wood is a 1.9 km loop in County Donegal, taking you through rare ancient oak woodland near Lough Eske.

Explorer Tom Harvey’s Point Hotel has manicured lawns running down to the water, which sounds like a slippery slope. A Swiss family started it all! Wave to the lake for me, you gorgeous.

Explorer Tom The Ring, Leghawny Stone Enclosure is soaked through and hides a seat-like stone structure called 'the Chair'. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s the perfect spot to watch the rain come down on Clogher Hill in absolute solitude.

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 Drumrooske East Ringfort boasts an earthen bank up to two meters high, possibly built against the wind. It sits on a drumlin overlooking Donegal Bay.

Explorer Tom Donegal Railway Heritage Centre keeps the county's railway stories in an old station house, including the 1907 Drumboe engine and an interactive cab. I would begin with the engine, then try the cab to see what a driver watched. At last, a railway stop where I am allowed to stay awhile.

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 Donegal Castle is a massive tower house that survived being burned, demolished, and converted into a Jacobean manor. You can still see the carved Brooke fireplace with its intricate strapwork and armorial coats of arms inside. It’s a proper architectural time capsule where history got very messy.