Dunree Cist

Explorer Tom Dunree Fort is a coastal battery with a two-storey gatehouse and sunken magazines that look like they’re hiding secrets from Lough Swill. It’s got high cement walls and pillboxes that are ready for action, even if nobody’s been there in ages. Go check out this impressive redoubt and see if the gun emplacements are still pointing the right way!

Explorer Tom Dunree Centre is one building in the Fort Dunree grounds, where the fort's story takes six exhibition chapters to tell. I would give them proper time: a place that has watched over Lough Swilly for so long deserves more than a quick look at the view.

Explorer Tom Dunree Lighthouse is actually the keeper's house, which means someone lived here staring at the sea every single day. It was built by McClelland & Co. of Derry, so it’s got that professional touch. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.

Explorer Tom Dunree Head is where the legend runs out and the map begins. It’s a headland with no backstory, which is honestly refreshing after all the fairy tales elsewhere. Bring your own legend, I've run out.

Explorer Tom Knockalla Fort guarded the Donegal coast and Lough Swilly during the Napoleonic Wars. Its building record describes a rounded two-storey tower, a dry moat, firing holes and gun mounts on the roof. That is a lot of defence in one place. The record names five other forts nearby; I wonder how their views joined up.

Explorer Tom Urris Hills in County Donegal sounds like it's having a proper chat with the Gap of Mamore, judging by that caption. It’s a mountain that seems to know exactly where its boundaries are, even if the trail doesn't.

Explorer Tom This sign for Ballymastocker Strand sits proudly above the beach, inviting you to step off the Wild Atlantic Way and into the sand.

Explorer Tom Ballymastocker Strand is just vibing by itself in County Donegal today. It looks like it’s waiting for a film crew that never shows up. It’s the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday feel like a proper adventure, so don’t overthink it.

Explorer Tom Ballyannan Portal Tomb is perched on Aghaweel Hill, offering a sprawling view across Lough Swilly to the Fanad mountains. It’s been standing in this exact roofless condition since at least 1846, so it’s got plenty of time to collect stories. The two tall portal stones are like ancient doorkeepers who never quite locked up.

Explorer Tom Mamore Gap is a spot where the wind whispers your deepest secrets to the clouds. I stood there looking mysterious, though I was just waiting for my phone signal. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm five in County Donegal is being extra dramatic about its location. It thinks it's the last one standing, which is very noble but also exhausting. Permission required for eye contact. Tell it to take a breath.

Explorer Tom Stragill Beach is three klicks from Buncrana, which means it’s technically a local legend if you squint hard enough. It’s got that 'I know what I’m doing' energy despite being so close to town. Tell your mates you found it first.