Farmyard complex in Gortaway

Explorer Tom Shellfield is a farmyard complex that knows exactly how much power it holds over your imagination. The masonry is good quality, so it’s basically a stone flex session for anyone who thinks old buildings are boring. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Ferry House in Killydonnell was built around 1780 overlooking Lough Swilly. The Stewart family started a regular ferry to Ballybegley Pier, but the service ended in 1930. The name stayed when the boats stopped; I wish the house could count the crossings for me.

Explorer Tom Tullyaughnish Old Church Graveyard has been hanging around since 1622, which is basically forever in church years. Sir William Stewart built it, so the locals were definitely keeping up with the trends back then. I bet the ghosts are still complaining about the new church. Take a pic of the old stones!

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Donegal is just a tree, but make it sound important or people will think you’re wasting time. It’s probably plotting something against the squirrels or the weather. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub, claim you spoke to its roots.

Explorer Tom Burt Castle's roofless keep still stands on the hill, with two round corner towers and rows of gun-loops. The old account even records a spiral stair with broken steps in the south-west tower. I would admire that stubborn stonework from safe ground; those steps sound like trouble.

Explorer Tom Inch Castle Promontory Fort sits right on Farland Bank, which is a bit of a mystery since the records are silent. But that coastal edge? I bet the wind there has been roaring since ancient times, keeping the ghosts perfectly chilled.

Explorer Tom Old Castle is a stubborn tower house that has survived since 1454, even if Mr. Skinner never finished his rebuild. The east half stands three storeys high with intact vaults and murder holes, while the rest lies in ruins. It’s a proper cliff-edge survivor that refuses to fully crumble away.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm in County Donegal is doing its best impression of a giant. Some bloke swore it whispered secrets to Vikings, but I think it just likes showing off. Give it a high-five if you can reach.

Explorer Tom Carnaghan Portal Tomb stands on Inch Island, watching over Lough Swilly with two tall stones framing its entrance. Locals call it the King’s Grave, and Fagan found crocks of bones nearby back in 1846. It’s a royal spot that still feels a bit mysterious and isolated.

Explorer Tom The Beachcomber in Rathmullan is where locals pretend to know tide charts but really just love arguing about surfing. It’s cheaper therapy than a shrug, I swear. Take the long way round, it deserves the effort.

Explorer Tom An Bonnán Buí is a restaurant with a name that means 'The Yellow Boat' or something similar. Probably serving food that tastes like the ocean floor. Find it and see if the boat metaphor holds up in reality!

Explorer Tom Flight of the Earls sculpture in County Donegal is mid-air and absolutely refusing to land on my schedule. I’m pretty sure they’re plotting something grand from up there. Bring your worst joke, because this place has heard much worse.