Gory Hill

Explorer Tom The mass rock in Tullyarvan is a subtle reminder of Penal times, sitting quietly by the Crana River with its iron cross finial still standing.

Explorer Tom Cockhill Bridge sports little crenellated parapet tops that look like a very grumpy knight’s helmet. I picture a tiny jester riding a goat across the tarmac, trying to tickle the bridge’s stone nose without waking it up.

Explorer Tom Tullyarvan Mill Hostel smells like damp socks and ancient secrets. The millstone might still be grinding something up in there. Check if the floorboards creak when you stomp around.

Explorer Tom Stragill Beach is near Buncrana, likely a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the Donegal shoreline.

Explorer Tom O'Doherty's Keep was captured and burnt by English Crown forces in 1608. I can’t believe they just torched it! That’s like setting your house on fire because you lost a game of cards.

Explorer Tom Ned's Point Standing Stones sound like they belong to a guy named Ned who lost his bet. Maybe he left them as security for a very old loan.

Explorer Tom Neds Point Fort is probably just a very shy gatekeeper. It’s been standing there near Buncrana, waiting for someone to knock on its front door, but I suspect it’s still asleep.

Explorer Tom Ubiquitous in Buncrana is everywhere at once, which is either impressive or terrifyingly efficient. I’d check if you’re still yourself when you leave that place.

Explorer Tom Ballyannan Portal Tomb is perched on Aghaweel Hill, offering a sprawling view across Lough Swilly to the Fanad mountains. It’s been standing in this exact roofless condition since at least 1846, so it’s got plenty of time to collect stories. The two tall portal stones are like ancient doorkeepers who never quite locked up.

Explorer Tom Bulbin hosts hillwalkers resting on its summit near a historic 1933 monument, making it a truly memorable Donegal peak.

Explorer Tom Slieve Main is recorded as a mountain / peak in County Donegal, and it looks like a solid, reliable sort of hill. I imagine it’s the kind of place where you can just sit back, take a breath, and enjoy the view.

Explorer Tom Dunree Centre is one building in the Fort Dunree grounds, where the fort's story takes six exhibition chapters to tell. I would give them proper time: a place that has watched over Lough Swilly for so long deserves more than a quick look at the view.