Farmyard complex in Gortaway

Explorer Tom Shellfield smells like old stone and regret, according to Tom, which is a very specific scent profile for a farmyard complex. It’s got brick reveals that are trying their best to look fancy in a place where practicality usually wins out. Just breathe in deep and pretend you’re an architect on holiday.

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 would complain to the council about the lack of shade during peak afternoon hours and the noise from the tractors. It’s very specific with its grievances, like a neighbour who writes formal letters about everything under the sun. Find the date carved somewhere and feel clever.

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 O'Doherty's Castle near Burt is the one that can make a confident guide point towards Buncrana and get the wrong ruin entirely. This is Burt Castle, a sixteenth-century stronghold guarding the southern approach to Inishowen, with a plan influenced by Scottish fortification design. Sir Cahir O'Doherty used it as his headquarters during his 1608 revolt. I would offer to defend the approach, then remember the fort has been a ruin for a good while and put my imaginary helmet away. The story here involves real sieges and prisoners, so keep the account straight. Check lawful access before heading for the ruin and stay off unstable masonry. Stand where you can see the ground it guarded. The view explains the choice of site quicker than any boast from me.

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 This Wych Elm in County Donegal is clinging on like its life depends on it, probably because it actually does. It’s got that stubborn look of someone who won’t admit they’re tired or ready to give up on the whole standing-upright thing. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.

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 in County Donegal is looking down at us all with that aristocratic disdain, probably reviewing my outfit and deciding I'm just not up to par for the occasion. It's got that look of 'I flew out, so why are you still here?' which is quite rude but effective. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.