House in Mountcharles

Explorer Tom The historic building in Mountcharles began as a house around 1800 and later served as a public house until about 2006. An older survey records 'Mulherns' painted over the doorway. Those painted letters might refuse to retire: 'Someone has to remember the name!'

Explorer Tom Kozy Kip Bar combines two buildings from about 1790. One side kept a timber shopfront dating to about 1860, while the other has a newer front. They look like siblings who agreed to share a roof but never a wardrobe.

Explorer Tom Salthill Cabin is likely just a shed with a coffee machine and delusions of grandeur. It’s in County Donegal, so expect rain to pour straight through the roof. Take a photo if you find any actual salt anywhere.

Explorer Tom Killymard Old Church Graveyard encloses a church whose story changes after a bleak 1622 report: it was ruinous then, was later repaired or rebuilt, and remained in use until a new church opened at Ballydevitt in 1829. The earliest modern grave slab noted in the account dates to 1809. Two timelines fit inside one walled place.

Explorer Tom Ballyboyle Island is named after the O'Boyles, who were sub-chieftains of the O'Donnells, which sounds like a very expensive family dinner party. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next one before you get hungry.

Explorer Tom Another Wych Elm in Donegal, because apparently we can't have enough silent judges in our lives. This one seems particularly smug about being ancient and slightly damp. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Rooney's Island was once home to the O'Maoldory Clan, who ruled as Kings of Tir Conaill. I imagine a very serious coronation ceremony taking place on a patch of ground that barely fits a picnic blanket.

Explorer Tom Donegal Town Hostel is right in the middle of the madness. If you get lost, just follow the smell of cheap coffee to find your way back.

Explorer Tom Killymard Church has a stone head that used to guard a gate with its wife! I bet they spent their days arguing about which side was cooler. It’s weird knowing Captain Mard might be staring at you from inside the 1830 church.

Explorer Tom Murvagh Beach has a wartime lookout hut that Joy Browne, writing for Donegal tourism, remembers playing in as a child. She says erosion has since sunk it into the sand and made entry impossible. A lookout hut retiring by burying its feet is theatrical enough for me; I would leave it to its rest.

Explorer Tom The Siege of Donegal is proud that it lasted long enough for everyone to run out of tea. It’s a very specific point of pride, but valid. Bring a flask and pretend you own the whole place, because technically, you do if you hold the cup.

Explorer Tom Donegal Friary Graveyard sits amid a place whose history changed violently in 1601, when an explosion and fire damaged the friary during a siege. The survey says later burial use raised the ground by as much as 1.75 metres. I had to read that twice: the height records generations of burial, not a building foundation.