House in Keshends

Explorer Tom The rectory in Colehill is all about stripped-back classical architecture, which means it’s minimal but pretentious. The natural slate roof is still there, which is a win in my book. Imagine living here and just being expected to look elegant while doing parish work. Hard graft!

Explorer Tom Beech Park, built c. 1845, wears decorative vertical slating on its porch like a very fancy raincoat. I reckon it looks extra cozy because the old distillery next door used to make everyone’s cheeks go red and warm.

Explorer Tom When Balor Came West: The Second Battle of Mag Tuired sits on flat ground below Aileach, relying entirely on Eochu Ollathair’s poem rather than archaeology. I suppose it is easier to argue with a rhyme than a shovel.

Explorer Tom Coyles bar in County Donegal is probably hiding a secret stash of old pints behind the tap. I bet they serve a stout that tastes like it’s been marinating in peat for decades. Grab me a pint if you’re passing through!

Explorer Tom Burt Castle's roofless keep still stands on the hill, with two round corner towers and rows of gun-loops. The old account even records a spiral stair with broken steps in the south-west tower. I would admire that stubborn stonework from safe ground; those steps sound like trouble.

Explorer Tom Grianán of Aileach makes a splendid lookout above Inishowen, with both Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly in sight. I would bring my questions about kings and legends up the hill, but I would sort out the practical matter first: Heritage Ireland says there are no toilets.

Explorer Tom Grianán of Aileach Outer Hillfort has a surprise outside the stone fort: three worn earthen rings may belong to a much older hillfort, perhaps from the Late Bronze or Iron Age. I came for one ancient place and found several piled into one hill! The long account below even traces an old road, a cairn and a holy well.

Explorer Tom Greenan Mountain is a peak in County Donegal with no recorded access details. The picture looks north towards Inch Island, which makes me think the mountain is just using it as a background for its own very serious portrait.

Explorer Tom Inch Castle Promontory Fort sits right on Farland Bank, which is a bit of a mystery since the records are silent. But that coastal edge? I bet the wind there has been roaring since ancient times, keeping the ghosts perfectly chilled.

Explorer Tom Old Castle is a stubborn tower house that has survived since 1454, even if Mr. Skinner never finished his rebuild. The east half stands three storeys high with intact vaults and murder holes, while the rest lies in ruins. It’s a proper cliff-edge survivor that refuses to fully crumble away.

Explorer Tom Our Lady of Lourdes Church graveyard is where you go when you need to feel small but also slightly drunk. I bet the church bell rings specifically to scare off the birds that want to eat the headstones. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll.

Explorer Tom Inch Island sits quietly near Grianan of Aileach, acting like it doesn’t know how famous its neighbour is. It’s keeping to itself, which I respect. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans whatsoever.