Edrim Graveyard

Explorer Tom Killymard Old Church Graveyard encloses a church whose story changes after a bleak 1622 report: it was ruinous then, was later repaired or rebuilt, and remained in use until a new church opened at Ballydevitt in 1829. The earliest modern grave slab noted in the account dates to 1809. Two timelines fit inside one walled place.

Explorer Tom Eddrim Bridge crosses the river at such a lazy angle that its arches look like they’re trying to sneak past. I reckon the masons in 1893 had to twist their stones into tight spirals just to make it fit, which is way harder than it looks. Now the grass is eating the deck, but those twisted stones are still showing off.

Explorer Tom Killymard House in Eddrim Glebe was built in 1816 using a grant and has retained its original slate roofs and timber sliding sash windows. The ashlar surrounds and quoins add some interest to the otherwise plain front elevation. It’s a well-preserved former Church of Ireland rectory!

Explorer Tom Another Wych Elm in Donegal, because apparently we can't have enough silent judges in our lives. This one seems particularly smug about being ancient and slightly damp. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Ballyboyle Island is named after the O'Boyles, who were sub-chieftains of the O'Donnells, which sounds like a very expensive family dinner party. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next one before you get hungry.

Explorer Tom Donegal Town Hostel is right in the middle of the madness on the N56. If you get lost, just follow the smell of cheap coffee to find your way back home. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.

Explorer Tom Salthill Cabin near Mountcharles is likely just a shed with a coffee machine and serious delusions of grandeur. It’s in Donegal, so expect rain to pour straight through the roof. Bring your worst joke, the place has heard worse.

Explorer Tom Killymard Church has a stone head that used to guard a gate with its wife! I bet they spent their days arguing about which side was cooler. It’s weird knowing Captain Mard might be staring at you from inside the 1830 church.

Explorer Tom Rooney's Island was once home to the O'Maoldory Clan, who ruled as Kings of Tir Conaill. I imagine a very serious coronation ceremony taking place on a patch of ground that barely fits a picnic blanket.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Donegal is proud that it lasted long enough for everyone to run out of tea. It’s a very specific point of pride, but valid. Bring a flask and pretend you own the whole place, because technically, you do if you hold the cup.

Explorer Tom Donegal Friary Graveyard sits amid a place whose history changed violently in 1601, when an explosion and fire damaged the friary during a siege. The survey says later burial use raised the ground by as much as 1.75 metres. I had to read that twice: the height records generations of burial, not a building foundation.

Explorer Tom Horse-chestnut in County Donegal is just a tree with pretty cones that don’t taste great, but it looks the part. It’s standing there looking dignified while the wind tries to knock it over. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap, tell them it grew from a fairy’s hat.