House in Sandfield

Explorer Tom Beagh Cottage, built c.1830, keeps its thatch in place with cast-iron pegs that are now disused. Do they still click when the wind tries to lift the roof for a quick peek at the sky?

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Portal Tomb is basically a stone huddle where the portal gets completely swallowed by the side slab. It’s tucked into wet pasture near Loughros More Bay, and Thomas Fagan saw it exactly this way back in 1847. So if you’re expecting grandeur, maybe lower your expectations, but I like its stubborn little posture.

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Court Tomb was actually drawn by William Burton Conyngham in 1799, back when its lintel was still perfectly in place. Now that massive slab is lying upside down on the floor, which feels like a bit of a letdown. But the old name 'Dermot and Grania's Bed' makes me think it’s all about legends.

Explorer Tom Saint Conal's Catholic Church has a carved marble altar from 1932 sitting under huge wooden A-frames. Why would you need such sturdy wood to hold up something so fancy? I bet the timber groans every time someone sneezes loudly in the pews.

Explorer Tom Carrickalahagh Headland is a cliff that would teach history by throwing pebbles at you every time you get a fact wrong, which is basically constantly for most people. It’s got the attitude of a teacher who has seen too many students trip over their own feet on this very path. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Doon Fort is claiming its best mate is actually a very confused dolphin who gets lost in Doon Lough every summer. It’s been sitting on that little island since 1500, looking like it’s waiting for someone to bring it a sandwich and some gossip. Stick around for the light changing, because this stone ringfort knows how to throw a proper party.

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 Narin–Portnoo Strand is a cove with grand ambitions: about two kilometres of sand and a dune ridge behind it. Dunmore Head takes some of the Atlantic’s edge, while Inishkeel sits out front like it reserved the best seat. I would keep that island on my map, with the tide as its own boss.

Explorer Tom Bonny Glen Wood - Bonny Glen walk would bring a bottle of wine and a very serious face to any party it attended. It had a fire in 2011 and now acts like it’s been through therapy and came out stronger. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Charlie's West End Café in Ardara sounds like Charlie's uncle who never left his office. It's in Ardara, likely serving coffee that tastes like shoe polish. Go sit down and read a newspaper from ten years ago!

Explorer Tom Big Francies in Ardara sounds like a guy who eats three pies in one sitting. It's a pub named after someone huge. Find Big Francies and ask him for his recipe for winning arguments. He'll probably yell it at you!

Explorer Tom Inishkeel has old churches and carved cross slabs, which sounds like a fine island hunt to me. Then Heritage Ireland stops me at the first step: it says the island is inaccessible to the public. An old low-tide crossing story is not a current invitation.