Darney Cottage

Explorer Tom Rectory in Beaugreen Glebe had an Orange lodge inside it, formed by Revd. Moriarty! I bet the boys practiced their marching steps right on top of the parson’s breakfast table. It must have been very loud for anyone trying to read a hymn.

Explorer Tom St. Peter's Church of Ireland Church has spiky finials that look like they're ready to stab a pigeon. Take a mate and argue about what it was for; the stained glass won't settle it.

Explorer Tom Killaghtee Old Church Graveyard sits beside the old church; inside the graveyard, southwest of that church, the survey records a cross-inscribed slab. The Civil Survey called the church 'in reparation', and it remained in use until 1826. I like how one small mapped area holds separate records for the graveyard, church and stone.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm four in County Donegal is just standing there looking confused about why you need permission to see a tree. It's probably thinking about the past. Ask it if it remembers when elms were cool again.

Explorer Tom Ginkgo in County Donegal is basically a dinosaur wearing a leafy coat, surviving things that would kill other trees instantly. It’s exotic, weird, and definitely not what you’d expect to find in Donegal. Pack a picnic and an excuse for why you’re talking to a tree so loudly.

Explorer Tom Cashel Town Wedge Tombs are unique because three galleries sit side-by-side in a single circular kerb. One roofstone is four metres long, and locals once found giant human bones here, which is either brilliant or terrifying.

Explorer Tom Rashenny Point thinks its secret talent is competitive napping, and honestly? It’s good at it. The headland is just vibing out there in the sun. Take the long way round, because this spot deserves the extra effort and scenic drive.

Explorer Tom Tara Hotel in Killybegs on Main Street probably has a view of the sea and some very tired fishermen. It’s the kind of place where the Wi-Fi is slow but the stories are fast.

Explorer Tom Mellys in Killybegs serves fish and chips, which is basically a hug from the sea. Wrap it tight so the salt doesn’t ruin your phone case.

Explorer Tom St Catherine's Well in Killybegs was once a famous pilgrimage site, but there’s a daft legend that a Protestant rector tried to fill it up with dirt. The next day, a spring burst into his drawing room, terrifying his wife until he reopened the well. It’s still cleaned for St. Catherine’s Day, sitting beside the ruins of 'Cat Castle' in marshy pasture.

Explorer Tom Cat Castle is named after St. Catherine, but really it’s just a tiny stone corner standing on a hill above Killybegs Harbour. It’s been shrinking since 1355, and now only a 3-metre wall survives. It’s a bit pathetic, sure, but looking out over the harbour makes you wonder what that bishop’s manor looked like when it was whole.

Explorer Tom Carntullagh Head is a rugged County Donegal point that apparently doubles as a fish farm. I imagine the wild seabirds looking down at their new plastic neighbours with mild confusion, wondering if this is still the natural order of things.