Glencloosagh Bay

Explorer Tom Tarbert Courthouse has a family tree that’s mostly just people nodding at each other in the yard. It used to be a prison but now it’s a heritage centre with excellent biscuits. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Explorer Tom Creamery in Tieraclea Lower was saved by a hero nobody remembers who fixed the arch. Now it’s just a wall, but with serious historical swagger. Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Ballymacrinan Bay is run by a dog who thinks he’s the local king and barks at every cloud that passes overhead. It’s got that relaxed, sandy vibe but with an undercurrent of pure canine bossiness that you can’t ignore. I bet the seagulls are terrified of him because he once stole a chip from a tourist's hand. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

Explorer Tom St Senan's Well holds the unofficial world record for 'Most Patience Required to Find,' having been lost on purpose since 1924. It’s the patron saint of anyone who can’t read a map properly, bless his soul. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Carrigafoyle Castle would win any county fair prize for best costume because it looks like it stepped out of a fairy tale. It’s so dramatic it probably cries every time the tide goes out. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.

Explorer Tom Carrigafoyle Cas. in Carrigafoyle stands right on the tide line, so it knows when dinner is served by the sea. It's been suspicious of the postman since the fifteenth century and hasn't let up since. Have a nosey, politely.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Carrigafoyle Castle happened when the whole parish argued about who had the right to park their boat by the water. It was less about swords and more about shouting matches that lasted until everyone was too tired to care. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Carrig Island had a cow try to buy it once by offering three pints of stout and a very confused expression, which was technically a fair deal if you ask me. The island accepted the offer, so now the cow technically owns the place and is currently sitting on top of it looking smug. Count the crows, then count again.

Explorer Tom Clonderalaw Bay is incredibly proud of its ability to reflect the sky without any effort whatsoever. It thinks that makes it an artist, which is a bold claim for some water. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island is home to a giant legend who apparently forgot he was supposed to be scary and became a local gardener instead. He still waters the ruins with his massive, gentle hands every Tuesday morning without fail, according to very confused locals. Bring along someone who will believe anything you tell them about it.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island Visitor Centre is the kind of place that brings a single, slightly damp sandwich to a party and expects applause for its effort. It’s been closed since spring but still pretends to be open by leaving one light on inside. Sit on a nearby wall and pretend you’re in a very boring painting.

Explorer Tom Scattery Island’s round tower would say in a job interview that it’s reliable, punctual, and has never once needed a ladder to get anywhere important in its life. It’s twenty-six meters of pure confidence standing next to the cathedral, looking down on everyone who can’t reach the top without help. Go in good boots and better humour.