Crockalto

Explorer Tom O'Boyle's Fort at Stonebrook is basically just curving stones pretending to be a mighty stronghold. It’s near Ardara and sounds like it belonged to some serious local legends, though the walls might not hold up against much more than a strong breeze.

Explorer Tom Carrickalahagh Headland rises boldly from the coastline, its name a local treasure shared through public pictures rather than maps.

Explorer Tom Outbuilding in Shanaghan was built around 1860 with a rounded straw-thatch roof tied to stone pegs in its rubble walls. The inventory calls thatched outbuildings a rare survival. I thought such careful roofing would belong to the house; this work building has kept the fancy curve for itself.

Explorer Tom Illancreeve stands near Laconnel in County Donegal, an islet visible from the north with a rugged, enduring presence.

Explorer Tom Rosbeg’s Tramore Strand has a whole sand department working behind it. A geological field guide describes dunes along this open coast and more by the Loughros Mór estuary, as if one set of dunes could not decide where to settle. This is the southern Tramore, not its namesake near Dunfanaghy.

Explorer Tom Beagh Cottage, built c.1830, keeps its thatch in place with cast-iron pegs that are now disused. Do they still click when the wind tries to lift the roof for a quick peek at the sky?

Explorer Tom Maghera Strand put mountains behind the sand and caves in the cliffs, as if one dramatic backdrop would not do. The local beach guide places it beside Slievetooey and warns about high tides and currents. I would admire the cave mouths from a safe spot and let current local advice decide whether a closer look is sensible.

Explorer Tom Assaranca Waterfall tumbles right beside the road between Ardara and Maghera, making it an incredibly easy stop to see.

Explorer Tom Maghera Waterfall tumbles through County Donegal, and I bet the mist smells like ancient secrets just waiting to be shared.

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Portal Tomb is basically a stone huddle where the portal gets completely swallowed by the side slab. It’s tucked into wet pasture near Loughros More Bay, and Thomas Fagan saw it exactly this way back in 1847. So if you’re expecting grandeur, maybe lower your expectations, but I like its stubborn little posture.

Explorer Tom Maghera Caves have enough openings to make me lose count: thirteen beside Maghera Strand, including Uaimh a' nDaoine, the Cave of the People. That name gives my imagination a full day's work. These are real sea caves, though, so I would keep my distance from the entrances.

Explorer Tom Teague's Bar in Ardara is probably named after Teague, who owns the place and hates tourists. Go in, order a drink, and try not to make eye contact with Teague's dog. It barks at everything shiny.