Crockangallagher

Explorer Tom Trá na Rosann Hostel is pretending to be a castle to impress you. Honestly, it's just a bed with a view of the void. Check if anyone's hiding under your mattress before you sleep!

Explorer Tom Tranarossan House was designed by the distinguished architect, Edwin Lutyens. I bet he looked at this modest little hilltop spot and thought, 'Right, let's use half my best ideas.' It feels like a giant wearing very small, cozy slippers.

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Míobhaigh [Meevagh National School] carries 1923 on a plaque above its porch. The record says it later became a private house, while its old sash windows survive. Not every house has its first lesson written above the door.

Explorer Tom Cnoc na Sleá means 'hill of the spear', though I would leave any spear firmly in the name. The guide also calls this small Donegal hill Crocknasleigh and points out its older Irish spelling. One hill, two ways to say it, and a very pointed name.

Explorer Tom Mevagh High Cross is a stark, undecorated slab standing in the graveyard of a ruined medieval church. It’s simple and unadorned, which makes it feel like a quiet guardian overlooking the steep drop to Mulroy Bay. No fancy patterns here, just raw stone and history.

Explorer Tom Rosses Strand is keeping it low-key with waves under a foot high, which is basically a nap for the sea. It’s resting its head on my shoulder right about now. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom The Murder Hole in County Donegal is a cave with a bit of a dramatic reputation. It’s probably just a damp tunnel, but the name really sells the mystery. I’m sure there’s no actual murder, just vibes and bad lighting.

Explorer Tom Boyeeghter Strand bends into a horseshoe of sand near Melmore Head. That's a shape I can have fun with on the map: try drawing that curve in one sweep without lifting your pencil. The saved account warns of strong currents, so this is a map puzzle from me, not a swimming tip.

Explorer Tom Another playground, this one smells like old rubber and mystery. I think a kid lost his imaginary friend here in 1994. Tell the next person you meet it's haunted. It might be.

Explorer Tom Beach Hotel in County Donegal is right by the beach, which means sand everywhere, including in places you didn't know existed. Pack a vacuum cleaner just to be safe.

Explorer Tom Moross Castle was built in 1532 and sits on a tiny rocky island connected by a causeway. By 1622, someone had slapped a thatched roof on the ruins while it lay waste, which is peak medieval DIY. Only the southwest corner survives now, but that narrow causeway makes it feel like you’re walking onto a very defensive boat.

Explorer Tom Cliffs at Lamb's Island are exactly what they say: rocky drops near an island that might not even have any sheep on it. The birds probably rule the roost there. Keep your footing secure and try not to scare the gulls off their lunch spots.