House in Cloghboy

Explorer Tom Maghera Strand put mountains behind the sand and caves in the cliffs, as if one dramatic backdrop would not do. The local beach guide places it beside Slievetooey and warns about high tides and currents. I would admire the cave mouths from a safe spot and let current local advice decide whether a closer look is sensible.

Explorer Tom O'Boyle's Fort at Stonebrook is basically just curving stones pretending to be a mighty stronghold. It’s near Ardara and sounds like it belonged to some serious local legends, though the walls might not hold up against much more than a strong breeze.

Explorer Tom Maghera Caves have enough openings to make me lose count: thirteen beside Maghera Strand, including Uaimh a' nDaoine, the Cave of the People. That name gives my imagination a full day's work. These are real sea caves, though, so I would keep my distance from the entrances.

Explorer Tom Assaranca Waterfall tumbles right beside the road between Ardara and Maghera, so lazy people can see it too. It’s best after heavy rain when it thunders like a grumpy god. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Maghera Waterfall is just another entry for a waterfall in Donegal, likely looking very splashy and wet. We have no further details, so imagine it’s guarding a lost treasure. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch to impress your friends online.

Explorer Tom Illancreeve sits off Laconnel, looking north like it’s waiting for a bus that never comes. It’s got serious character, even if it’s just a blob on the map. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Carrickalahagh Headland is a cliff with a name that rolls right off the tongue and into the sea. It’s basically a big rock wall where the land gives up. If you’re standing there, don’t lean too far out; gravity is a bit cheeky down here.

Explorer Tom Rosbeg’s Tramore Strand has a whole sand department working behind it. A geological field guide describes dunes along this open coast and more by the Loughros Mór estuary, as if one set of dunes could not decide where to settle. This is the southern Tramore, not its namesake near Dunfanaghy.

Explorer Tom Outbuilding in Shanaghan was built around 1860 with a rounded straw-thatch roof tied to stone pegs in its rubble walls. The inventory calls thatched outbuildings a rare survival. I thought such careful roofing would belong to the house; this work building has kept the fancy curve for itself.

Explorer Tom Kiltoorish Hall keeps a close eye on O'Boyle's Island from its hilltop perch. I wonder if Mr. O'Boyle ever tried to swim across in his bathrobe, or if he just enjoyed shouting at the water? Built around 1880, it looks like it’s waiting for a very specific visitor.

Explorer Tom Sliabh Tuaidh has a trig point because someone needed proof it was there. It’s basically Donegal’s way of saying 'yes, I’m real, stop doubting me.' Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn before the next challenge.

Explorer Tom Killasteever Fort is a sprawling mess of an enclosure, measuring 61.6m by 57.2m, and it’s been bisected by a modern boundary wall. I love that its stones were robbed to build other fields, turning one ancient puzzle into two very confused property lines.