Eithne Coyle

Explorer Tom Corner Bar in County Donegal sits where the railway used to be, mourning lost trains while serving pints. Get a picture and think about those old rails.

Explorer Tom The Shamrock Lodge in County Donegal is green enough to make your eyes water from the irony. Snap a shot and count how many shamrocks you see.

Explorer Tom An tSean Bheairic, the Old Barrack, was built circa 1890 and later served as a Garda Síochána station before becoming a heritage centre.

Explorer Tom Roseville was built for Dr. John McDonald in 1904, with a roof edged by rolled terracotta tiles and a pair of yellow-brick chimney stacks. Those two chimneys look like tall hats arguing over which gets to greet Falcarragh first.

Explorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Donegal is an exotic sight, likely requiring permission for a closer look.

Explorer Tom This Wych Elm in Donegal has a graceful form, possibly needing permission to see its details clearly.

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 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 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.

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 Oileán Dúiche has a church ruin so small it is only fifteen feet long. The sole doorway stands five feet high but tapers as it rises, which is quite a fancy shape for such a tiny entrance. I reckon the builders really wanted to make sure you knew when you were getting in.