Crockaleahan

Explorer Tom Cratlagh Earthen Ringfort sits on a marshy terrace, with its earthen bank still holding up at half a metre high. That two-and-a-half-metre gap to the east looks like the original door, letting you step right into history.

Explorer Tom Saint Brigid's Catholic Church was built around 1870 with little trefoil motifs cut into its roof kneeler stones. A small canopy shelters the bell beside the entrance. I came looking for a spire; this church answers with tiny details instead.

Explorer Tom Presbytery in Golan was built around 1870 near Saint Brigid's Church, with square-headed windows below and round-headed ones above. Two little dormers sit in the slate roof. I thought I had the window pattern solved on the ground floor; upstairs it changes its mind.

Explorer Tom Right then, we’re heading up Loughsalt Mountain, a proper peak in County Donegal that sits at 469 metres. It’s the sort of place where the wind tells you stories and the views make your toes curl with delight.

Explorer Tom The Traveller's Inn is probably hiding a map in the sauce. I bet the chef knows where the lost gold is buried under the fries. Grab a photo of the menu for me!

Explorer Tom Woodquarter's forest path follows Mulroy Bay with views toward Gull Island and Inishyweel. Coillte also records Lord Leitrim's murder here in 1878; the island views share ground with difficult local history.

Explorer Tom Rough Island sits a mere fifteen metres from Murder Hole Beach. That gap is barely wider than a garden trampoline. I bet you could hop across before the tide changes your mind.

Explorer Tom Aghawoney Standing Stones are probably two rocks that got into a fight and just forgot to finish it. They’re still glaring at each other across the field, waiting for someone to shout ‘stop it’.

Explorer Tom McGinley's has a guy at the bar who swears he saw a leprechaun pay his tab. He never left. Probably still in the back room polishing glasses that aren't there.

Explorer Tom Another majestic European Beech awaits you in County Donegal, likely requiring a friendly nod for access.

Explorer Tom We can drive clockwise to enter this friary grounds. Let's take this moderate coastal loop and soak up those historic, salt-air views.

Explorer Tom Tullyaughnish Old Church Graveyard was still just near completion in 1622. It is a remarkably specific snapshot for a building that had another two centuries to actually finish its job.