House in Lederg

Explorer Tom Urris Hills in County Donegal sounds like it's having a proper chat with the Gap of Mamore, judging by that caption. It’s a mountain that seems to know exactly where its boundaries are, even if the trail doesn't.

Explorer Tom Saint Éigneach's Well sits right on top of Mamore Gap, where pilgrims used to go barefoot around seven cairns. That’s a serious blister-fest, but apparently worth it for the spiritual glow-up at this mountain summit. There’s even a Lourdes grotto and Padre Pio statue nearby, so it’s got a very eclectic holy vibe.

Explorer Tom Mamore Gap provides a scenic pause point, offering lovely views over the surrounding hills and valleys in County Donegal.

Explorer Tom Right then, we've got ourselves a proper mountain called Mamore Hill tucked away in County Donegal. I imagine it's the sort of peak that looks like it’s been napping through the centuries, waiting for someone curious enough to poke its nose and see what’s over the ridge.

Explorer Tom Forge or smithy in Lenan was built around 1840. Its plaque remembers the crew of Wellington Bomber W5653, who died in the Urris crash on 11 April 1941; their bodies were laid in this forge before transfer to Dunree and burial in Britain. I let the plaque speak here.

Explorer Tom Gortleck Catholic Church has a cross-shaped stone with cupmarks that look like someone used a spoon to dig tiny holes. I picture the stone wondering if those were actually fingerprints from a very sticky giant’s hand. Did it get itchy?

Explorer Tom Gap of Mamore Viewpoint sits along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering a dramatic look at this famous gap in County Donegal.

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 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.

Explorer Tom Dunree Head juts out proudly into the Donegal waters, a classic headland that definitely deserves your admiring gaze.

Explorer Tom Glenevin Waterfall offers a stunning view of the falls in County Donegal, a natural spectacle waiting to be discovered.

Explorer Tom Glenevin Waterfall sits at the head of a maintained walk near Clonmany, one of the few falls with a proper path.