Finmore Hill

Explorer Tom Aghlem Bridge carries the road over the Drummenny River on one wide stone arch. The present bridge is dated to about 1860, but an 1837 map shows an earlier crossing here. I picture the old bridge nudging the new stonework: 'You think you're the first one on this spot?'

Explorer Tom Post box in Copany is a cast-iron legend with Celtic Revival script. It’s got a P & T motif that looks like it was carved by a wizard. Give it a gentle pat and see if it rings out!

Explorer Tom The Ring, Leghawny Stone Enclosure is soaked through and hides a seat-like stone structure called 'the Chair'. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s the perfect spot to watch the rain come down on Clogher Hill in absolute solitude.

Explorer Tom Saints Island sounds like the place to land for the Lough Derg pilgrimage, but that is Station Island next door. This island held the early monastery; Lough Derg calls it overgrown and inaccessible. Even my map needs the two islands kept straight.

Explorer Tom Harvey's Point is probably named after a guy who got lost and pointed in the wrong direction. Follow his lead; if you end up in a field of sheep, consider that an adventure.

Explorer Tom St Patrick's Cross on Station Island is a 1.3m shaft wrapped in spiralling bands that look like ancient rope. It’s said to have been moved here from Saint's Island, which sounds like a bit of a logistical nightmare back then. Standing next to the penal beds, it feels like a tiny, confused survivor of a much bigger monastic operation.

Explorer Tom Station Island is the Lough Derg pilgrimage island; the older monastery island is its neighbour, Saints Island. The traditional pilgrimage lasts three days. I would want the current dates and a proper booking sorted before I packed, because a lake crossing deserves more planning than my usual wandering.

Explorer Tom The Cloister garden sounds like a peaceful secret spot where the flowers might whisper ancient stories to anyone who listens.

Explorer Tom Benson's Hill gives Lough Eske the barest of glances, like a shy wink. I reckon that hill is keeping its distance from the water, perhaps waiting for it to say hello first.

Explorer Tom Barnesmore has been carrying the wrong name tag. Mountaineering Ireland calls this summit Croaghonagh and says Barnesmore belongs to the gorge below. I would ask the mountain to swap labels with the road, but it has stood its ground longer than my map has.

Explorer Tom Ard na Mona Wood is a 1.9 km loop in County Donegal, taking you through rare ancient oak woodland near Lough Eske.

Explorer Tom Patrick the Pilgrim stands in County Donegal with St. Patrick's Purgatory looming in the background. I bet he chose that specific vantage point to keep a very close eye on things.