Crockawama

Explorer Tom Owencarrow Bridge crosses the Owencarrow River in one stone arch, built around 1860 and possibly incorporating older fabric. The underside is gunnelled, and two splayed abutments flank the arch. I had to learn a new bridge word before I noticed the detail underneath.

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Dhruim na Ráth used to keep boys and girls separate like they were rival football teams. The date-stone is basically a time capsule waiting for your selfie. Bring curiosity, leave with a better story than mine.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre is where they hand you the keys to the kingdom of birches. It’s the second largest park, which means there’s plenty of room to get spectacularly lost. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket, just in case the fairies demand their cut.

Explorer Tom McNulty’s Bar is likely full of people who think they’re great at darts but actually miss everything. Watch them fail, then laugh quietly so they don’t notice you doing it from across the room. Have a chat with it, nobody's watching.

Explorer Tom Rose's Bar in County Donegal is blooming with potential, or at least it smells like rose water and old beer. Go there if you want to feel pretty and slightly dizzy. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Well, look at that, Muckish is standing tall in County Donegal, and I heard it looks particularly dramatic from Horn Head. It’s a proper mountain with a bit of mystery to it, so let’s keep our eyes peeled for any hidden paths as we get closer.

Explorer Tom Sessile Oak in County Donegal is being very serious about its roots and everything. It's probably been sitting there thinking deep thoughts for centuries. It might need permission to blink. Tell it to stop overthinking the whole thing.

Explorer Tom The cairn on top of Muckish Mountain was recorded as a flat-topped pile about eight metres across and 1.5 metres high. The survey says it may be of recent origin, but does not name its makers or its purpose. Even the mountain-top pile has managed to keep that bit to itself.

Explorer Tom Muckish Mountain Cairn is a 22-metre stone pile that practically shouts for attention from the mountain's lower edge. It’s got ruined walls trailing off into the mist, hiding whatever secrets it guards on top. I’d bet good money there’s more buried under those loose rocks than just wind and rain.

Explorer Tom The Bridge of Tears carried more than traffic through Muckish Gap. Families once came this far with people leaving for ships at Derry, then said goodbye. The Irish words on a stone beside the bridge remember that parting. I would stop for the story, but keep clear of the road.

Explorer Tom Master Sword in Stone? Sounds like a budget video game prop that fell off a lorry. But hey, if it's stuck there, grab it for luck. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown and gives up on us all.

Explorer Tom English holly in County Donegal is basically the punk rock star of the tree world. Sharp leaves, bright berries, and zero apologies for looking prickly. It probably thinks it's way too cool to join the other trees. Give it a pat on the bark if you dare!