Drumnatinny

Explorer Tom Dermot and Granias Bed is a pretty ruinous portal tomb, mostly just two stones standing up in the grass. It’s named after a couple who supposedly slept here, which is either very romantic or just really lazy local history. At least the view of Muckish Mountain isn't disappointing.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Donegal is getting a bit ratty, as they do, and it's very particular about who can touch it. It might need permission to just be a tree. Tell it to stop shedding so much everywhere, mate.

Explorer Tom Graveyard or cemetery in Ray holds a large ringed cross that looks like it is wearing a permanent halo. I reckon it has been standing there since before anyone thought to invent umbrellas, just patiently waiting for the clouds to move.

Explorer Tom Stone Cross at Ráith is a 5.56m giant that’s just been propped up on modern concrete. It used to lie broken in the graveyard, and locals once claimed it was smuggled from Tory Island, which feels like a proper stretch. Now it leans against the church wall, looking a bit like a tired grandfather who finally got some rest.

Explorer Tom Coláiste Bhríde has a tiny bellcote sitting right on the roof peak! Built around 1930, I wonder if that little bell ever tried to climb down and hide from the wind? It feels like a very brave, high-up shout for such a quiet spot.

Explorer Tom Monterey Cypress in County Donegal is pretending to be from California. It's a bit out of place, like a surfboard in a bog. It wants permission for everything. Tell it to relax and let the wind do its hair.

Explorer Tom Corner Bar sits where the railway used to be, mourning lost trains while serving pints. The bishop refused to visit because he preferred walking over rails. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom The Shamrock Lodge on Main Street is green enough to make your eyes water from sheer irony and poor lighting choices. A poet fell into a ditch nearby recently, but this place refuses to acknowledge any of that bad luck. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up instantly.

Explorer Tom There are two Tramore Strands in Donegal, and this one near Dunfanaghy makes you earn the sand. The local guide sends you along a tree-lined path for about 30 minutes before the two-mile beach shows itself. I would give it a grand entrance; the dangerous currents mean my swimming trunks can stay in the bag.

Explorer Tom Cliffs near Pollaguill Bay have a secret weapon: giant boulders thrown up by winter storms that look like alien eggs. The photo doesn’t do justice to how chaotic those rocks are. It’s a wild mix of sand and stone, so tread carefully.

Explorer Tom Magheraroarty has pulled a fine trick on the map: Atlantic on one side of a sandy spit, Ballyness Bay on the other, Inishbofin up north. That is enough directions for one beach to manage. The western shore takes a strong Atlantic wash, so I would keep my admiration on dry sand.

Explorer Tom Inis Bó Finne is Donegal's island of the white cow, with old village ground and a view back to Errigal and Muckish. There is another Inishbofin off Galway, which is quite a long swim if you pick the wrong one. I would confirm the local boat before going.