Crockbarabrista

Explorer Tom Kingarrow National School wears its 1891 date on a plaque and leaves the ends of its roof rafters in view. It kept its original timber windows too. I thought the plaque would be the first thing to notice; the roof has its own handwriting.

Explorer Tom Farmyard complex in Largnalarkan hides metal pegs in its eaves, leftovers from a roped thatched roof. Built c.1830, it looks like a house still wearing the belt from an old hat. I bet the iron sheeting above is just a very practical winter coat.

Explorer Tom Right then, folks, here’s Moylenanav, standing tall in the misty corners of County Donegal. I’m still trying to work out how to pronounce that second syllable without sounding like a startled goose, but it definitely looks like it’s got some character.

Explorer Tom Scraigs is a mountain / peak in County Donegal hiding a treasure that is definitely just an old biscuit tin. Legend says it’s full of gold, but I’m sure it’s actually stale digestive biscuits and regret. Still worth checking out if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for snacks. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb lies deep in boggy ground between Aghla and Scraigs. The recorded gallery was five metres long, with six stones on each side. A slab across one end might not have been part of its original roof. That uncertainty is more interesting than pretending the wet ground offers an easy look inside.

Explorer Tom I spotted a golden eagle and immediately pretended it had come to inspect me. Glenveagh National Park spreads across roughly 170 square kilometres of Donegal, which makes any plan to see it all before lunch a fine piece of nonsense. Lough Veagh runs through the glen, mountains rise around it, and red deer move through the wider country. Golden eagles were reintroduced here in 2000, a bold return for a bird once lost from the region. This landscape also carries the history of the Derryveagh Evictions, when 224 people were driven from the estate in 1861; the views cannot be separated from that record. The deer have better routes through this country than any shortcut I could invent. Later owner Henry McIlhenny gave the estate to the Irish state in the 1970s. Public park paths offer different lengths of walk, while castle tours have separate arrangements, so check routes and weather before setting off. Choose one stretch of glen and let it be enough; the mountain will still be here for the next visit.

Explorer Tom Stone cairn, Lougherrig is a simple name for what might be one of the oldest quiet spots in County Donegal. There’s no date attached to it, which means it could be as old as time itself or just a very stubborn pile. I’d like to know if it ever gets tired of being a landmark.

Explorer Tom Astelleen Burn Waterfall is three kilometres from Glenveagh and seems to be guarded by a ghost who is far too lazy to actually haunt anyone properly. The Irish name translates to 'waterfall of the flood,' which is dramatic for something that mostly just slops along quietly. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom Teach Tábhairne an Rileán in County Donegal has a mouthful of a name. Say it three times fast for me and tell me how you feel! Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Errigal Youth Hostel in County Donegal is where dreams go to get squished under mattresses. It's cozy if you define cozy as 'crowded' and 'slightly damp'. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up for your diary.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Donegal would cope on a reality show by just standing there while everyone else argues about who gets to eat first. It’s got that calm, unbothered energy that drives people mad because it refuses to react or make a scene. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Glebe House and Gallery lets me visit Derek Hill's home and then see what became of his studio. An 1828 house, art and woodland gardens make quite a three-part outing. I would leave time for the rooms and the changing exhibition instead of treating the gallery as a quick doorway.