House in Aghadreenan

Explorer Tom Ardroe Cottage has little metal pegs sticking out of its thatched eaves! Built around 1780, they look like giant safety pins holding the whole roof together. I wonder if anyone ever swung from them to reach the chimney pot?

Explorer Tom New Bridge has a V-shaped stone nose pointing at the sea! Built around 1860, I wonder if the tide ever tried to bite that pointy bit? It looks like it’s daring the waves to come closer.

Explorer Tom This standing stone in Drumfad Lower used to stand proudly on a ridge with sweeping views of Trusk More, though it did take a tumble during a storm back in 1998. After a rescue excavation to uncover its original socket pit, it was carefully re-erected so it could keep watch over the plateau.

Explorer Tom Portsalon runs in a wide sandy curve along Lough Swilly, with Knockalla rising behind it. I can almost see a giant pencil trying to draw that line in one stroke. That's the bit that grabs me: sand, water and mountains making one huge sweep, without needing a beauty contest to tell me so.

Explorer Tom Moross Castle was built in 1532 and sits on a tiny rocky island connected by a causeway. By 1622, someone had slapped a thatched roof on the ruins while it lay waste, which is peak medieval DIY. Only the southwest corner survives now, but that narrow causeway makes it feel like you’re walking onto a very defensive boat.

Explorer Tom Ballymastocker Strand is just vibing by itself in County Donegal today. It looks like it’s waiting for a film crew that never shows up. It’s the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday feel like a proper adventure, so don’t overthink it.

Explorer Tom Wild Atlantic Way:Ballymastocker Strand in County Donegal would post on social media that it’s 'too majestic for your average selfie stick,' which is exactly the kind of arrogance we’ve come to expect from it. The sand there holds grudges against anyone who digs too deep, and the sign above it looks permanently unimpressed by your efforts. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Wych Elm five in County Donegal is being extra dramatic about its location. It thinks it's the last one standing, which is very noble but also exhausting. Permission required for eye contact. Tell it to take a breath.

Explorer Tom Hazel in County Donegal is playing hard to get behind some invisible fence. Rumor has it it knows where all the nuts are buried, but you'd need a lawyer to ask nicely. Send me a cheeky wave.

Explorer Tom Knockalla Fort guarded the Donegal coast and Lough Swilly during the Napoleonic Wars. Its building record describes a rounded two-storey tower, a dry moat, firing holes and gun mounts on the roof. That is a lot of defence in one place. The record names five other forts nearby; I wonder how their views joined up.

Explorer Tom The Village Inn sounds like it contains an actual village, but it’s just a pub on Main Street. Ask the bartender if he knows the local king; he probably doesn’t. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.

Explorer Tom McGinley's on Main Street has a guy who swears he saw a leprechaun pay his tab. He never left, probably still polishing glasses that aren't there in the back room. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.