Croaghanierin

Explorer Tom Right then, let’s have a look at Lough Hill in County Donegal. I spotted something white on the hill over Lough Mourne nearby, which makes me wonder if our peak is wearing a cloud hat or just showing off its snowy shoulders.

Explorer Tom This 1856 school in Meencargagh is quiet now, but I imagine the little ones once raced through its T-shaped halls.

Explorer Tom Bridge in Croaghonagh was built for a 3-foot gauge railway line, which sounds like a trap set by giants for tiny beetles. I reckon the tracks were so narrow that any car trying to drive over it would have to fold its roof flat just to fit through.

Explorer Tom Altnapaste is a mountain peak where the summit offers quartzite footing and big views. Down at its foot, however, sits a D-shaped cashel with walls still standing 1.5 metres high. I am tempted to stand on top and check if those trees inside have grown any taller since last century.

Explorer Tom This final playground on our list is probably packed with energy, ready to launch the next wave of tiny Donegal explorers into the sky.

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 Jackson's Hotel claims Joe Jackson perfected Irish Coffee there in the 1940s. That’s basically yesterday! Drink one for me and pretend it tastes like victory and strong ambition.

Explorer Tom Drumboe Wood is a riverside walk with harder history nearby: a castle once guarded the River Finn ford, and a memorial recalls four men executed here in 1923. I would give that stone a quiet moment.

Explorer Tom Standing Stones near Cloghroe keeps two portal stones and a backstone in the survey account. Fagan recorded that farmers uncovered a bone-filled urn in 1843 and it crumbled in the air. One quick breath undid a very long wait.

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 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 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.