Croaghnanamph

Explorer Tom Owenwee Bridge crosses the river on one broad arch, with long rock-faced stones set around its curve. Built around 1860, it looks almost as if the arch stretched each stone to fit. The rubble abutments stay plain by comparison.

Explorer Tom Droichead na hAbhna Bige has these really long, squinty stones in the arch that look totally different from the chunky bits holding it up. I bet they were trying to make the bridge look like it’s wearing a very fancy, crooked hat.

Explorer Tom Astelleen Burn Waterfall, meaning torrent or flood, sloping down three kilometers southwest of Glenveagh Castle is a hidden gem.

Explorer Tom Staghall Mountain has a proper view captured for us, and it looks like a solid old friend standing up in County Donegal. I bet the air up there is crisp enough to make you sneeze before you even start climbing.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park follows Lough Veagh through the Derryveagh Mountains, featuring easy trails and historic castle views.

Explorer Tom Right then, folks, here’s Moylenanav, standing tall in the misty corners of County Donegal. I’m still trying to work out how to pronounce that second syllable without sounding like a startled goose, but it definitely looks like it’s got some character.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Castle looks older than its 1867-to-1873 building date, because it borrows the shape of earlier Irish tower houses. That is quite a costume for a Victorian home. I would give the gardens time too, and check the castle's tour day before setting off.

Explorer Tom A curious Wheel tree in County Donegal offers a unique shape, so check if permission is required.

Explorer Tom Glebe House and Gallery lets me visit Derek Hill's home and then see what became of his studio. An 1828 house, art and woodland gardens make quite a three-part outing. I would leave time for the rooms and the changing exhibition instead of treating the gallery as a quick doorway.

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 3 Cross is a bit of a ghost, with its arms barely visible on that rocky mound. It’s part of St Columba’s old pilgrimage route, and I picture the faithful shuffling around in prayer. It’s weathered into a whisper, but it’s still holding the line.

Explorer Tom This is *Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 5 Cross*, the fifth station of a pilgrimage path where the arms are barely perceptible on its weathered face. It stands about 20m south of the graveyard, acting as a humble marker in the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, so take a moment to appreciate how much history is packed into such a small stone.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre is located on the eastern side of the Derryveagh Mountains, near the 'glen of birches'.