Daniel McGettigan

Explorer Tom Hut site in Leargain Riach is a subcircular foundation inside a ruined stone enclosure on a rocky knoll. The survey measured the smaller foundation at about 3.5 metres across. With an older wall and a newer field wall nearby, the plan has layers; the people who made them are unnamed.

Explorer Tom Stella Maris Catholic Church in Magherabeg is keeping things simple with those square-headed windows. It was built in 1954 to look modern, which back then meant looking like a slightly confused filing cabinet, but I dig the clean lines anyway.

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 This playground is definitely judging your life choices, just like Tom does. The sandbox might be full of ancient treasure if you dig deep enough. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Cairn in Cluain Tsalach sits on the highest point of this stretch, commanding a view that could make your knees weak. It’s a pile of loose slabs that might be ancient or just a surveyor’s shortcut from centuries ago. Either way, standing there feels like you’ve beaten everyone else to the top.

Explorer Tom Downings gets to sit snug in Sheephaven Bay while Rosguill takes the Atlantic full in the face. I can almost hear the peninsula boasting about the arrangement. Donegal tourism lists windsurfing here, though the wind gets the final say on any plans for the water.

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Doire Chasáin is a former national school from 1902 that has swapped chalkboards for carpets. Those original timber sliding sash windows still stare out from what is now a private dwelling, looking slightly confused about the change of curriculum.

Explorer Tom McNutts Coffee House in County Donegal might be vacant! If so, take a pic of the empty room and tell them Tom was there!

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.

Explorer Tom Cliffs north of Downies are just cliffs, but they look like they’ve seen some things. The name 'Downies' makes me think of sheep, so I’m expecting them any minute now. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

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 Clonmass Island is sitting quietly in Clonmass Bay, probably judging your life choices from afar in County Donegal. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap, because I've run out of my own stories already.