House in Ballybrack

Explorer Tom Glenburnie House was built for Mr. Bartholomew McCorkell, who apparently loved watching sailing ships slide past Lough Foyle from his windows. I bet he spent entire afternoons pretending to be a very stern admiral, waving at boats that were probably just going to Greencastle.

Explorer Tom St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ballybrack replaced an older chapel and has a tower that acts as a local landmark. The interior is simple but effective, and the graveyard adds to the social history vibe. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next adventure without looking back.

Explorer Tom Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium puts the sea and sky under one old Coast Guard roof in Greencastle. I would happily spend a day moving from fishing boats to the stars. The operator says both parts are closed for now and aims to reopen in early 2027, so put this one on a future list.

Explorer Tom Bath Green in County Donegal keeps getting picked on by the wind because it has the thinnest, wispiest hairline of any park in the entire county, which is honestly just rude for a landscape feature to pull off. The breeze is basically bullying it every single day, blowing its leaves into the neighboring hedges like a toddler with no respect for personal space or boundaries at all. Whisper a secret

Explorer Tom The Cosy Cottage café in Moville has sandwiches that are actually small houses for tiny people, and the local sheep have strong opinions about it. I’d bet they serve tea so hot it can melt plastic spoons instantly. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Explorer Tom Susie’s Bar in Moville is the ultimate gossip hub where Susie definitely knows who stole your socks. If she were applying for a job, her CV would just be 'knows everything.' Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.

Explorer Tom Greencastle was built in 1305 to hold down the North West. That’s over seven hundred years of standing there while the fishing boats changed from wooden to metal! I bet it’s still listening for the clank of old swords.

Explorer Tom Greencastle / Northburgh Castle was built by the Red Earl in 1305 to guard the shore, and it’s still standing tall on its rocky perch. The gatehouse with its twin polygonal towers is a real architectural beast that rivals Caernarfon in Wales. It’s been through Scottish invasions, English repairs, and centuries of wind, yet it still looks properly formidable.

Explorer Tom Crockaulin offers a lonely triangulation pillar that stares down at Greencastle from a dizzying height. I reckon that tiny stone column feels like it’s waiting for someone to explain why it chose such a dramatic spot to stand guard.

Explorer Tom Martello tower on magilligan point in Doaghs Lower is throwing a century-old tantrum. It claims to be a fortress but looks like a giant's forgotten chimney. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans whatsoever.

Explorer Tom Cooly Medieval Graveslab is tucked just metres from the Skull House, which sounds far more dramatic than it likely was. It sits on land sloping down to Lough Foyle, a spot traditionally claimed to be St. Patrick’s own founding project. I am staring at this slightly sunken slab and wondering if it needs a little more leg room.

Explorer Tom Cooley Cross hosted a dance that went so wild that someone actually broke a fence, and they still blame the cross for it. The locals say the stone vibrated with the bass, which is either true or a very good story. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.