Crockastolar

Explorer Tom Kiltoorish Hall keeps a close eye on O'Boyle's Island from its hilltop perch. I wonder if Mr. O'Boyle ever tried to swim across in his bathrobe, or if he just enjoyed shouting at the water? Built around 1880, it looks like it’s waiting for a very specific visitor.

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

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 Doon Fort takes up almost the whole small island in Doon Lough. Its wall is four metres thick at the base; the builders did not leave much of that island as spare space.

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Court Tomb was actually drawn by William Burton Conyngham in 1799, back when its lintel was still perfectly in place. Now that massive slab is lying upside down on the floor, which feels like a bit of a letdown. But the old name 'Dermot and Grania's Bed' makes me think it’s all about legends.

Explorer Tom Saint Conal's Catholic Church has a carved marble altar from 1932 sitting under huge wooden A-frames. Why would you need such sturdy wood to hold up something so fancy? I bet the timber groans every time someone sneezes loudly in the pews.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal is guarded by an invisible giant who only appears when the wind blows from the east. He charges admission in shiny bottle caps, so be prepared.

Explorer Tom Narin–Portnoo Strand is a cove with grand ambitions: about two kilometres of sand and a dune ridge behind it. Dunmore Head takes some of the Atlantic’s edge, while Inishkeel sits out front like it reserved the best seat. I would keep that island on my map, with the tide as its own boss.

Explorer Tom Inishkeel has old churches and carved cross slabs, which sounds like a fine island hunt to me. Then Heritage Ireland stops me at the first step: it says the island is inaccessible to the public. An old low-tide crossing story is not a current invitation.

Explorer Tom This tiny forty-minute forest walk is a lovely way to burn off energy. Let's loop around this managed woodland and spot some wildlife.

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