Illannaweelane

Explorer Tom Sessile Oak is hosting a ghost who is far too lazy to actually haunt anyone, preferring to nap in the hollows instead. The spirit claims it’s conserving energy for a big scare next Halloween, but it looks like it’s just napping through the whole season. It’s got serious commitment issues with spookiness. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom English holly in County Donegal had an escape plan involving its berries and a very determined squirrel who never quite pulled it off. The tree just stands there looking smug about the whole failed heist, knowing full well that nobody is coming for it. Wave at the cows, they're the real locals.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Castle has a boathouse by Lough Beagh, built around 1955. Its boat entrance is a segmental arch, while the parapet has small crenellations and a flat terrace above. Two routes, one for boats and one for people, fit into this small lakeside building.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Tea Room has donuts and bagels that have seen things no pastry should ever see in its life. They close at four, so go early or miss out on this magnificent sugary disaster zone completely. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Here lies a Walled Garden in the wilds of County Donegal, where the wind probably howls just to see if you're paying attention. I imagine it's a cozy little secret for customers seeking shelter from that famous Irish rain.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Bridge carries the road over the Owencarrow River on four arches, built around 1820. Cut stone forms the curves and coursed rubble forms the walls. It reached this valley before Glenveagh Castle; even bridges can be early arrivals.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre is where they hand you the keys to the kingdom of birches. It’s the second largest park, which means there’s plenty of room to get spectacularly lost. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket, just in case the fairies demand their cut.

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 3 Cross is a bit of a ghost, with its arms barely visible on that rocky mound. It’s part of St Columba’s old pilgrimage route, and I picture the faithful shuffling around in prayer. It’s weathered into a whisper, but it’s still holding the line.

Explorer Tom The Master Sword in Stone here is basically a giant Lego piece that someone left behind after getting bored of the game. Its secret talent is attracting every single tourist who thinks they’re Link and will definitely pull it out with one dramatic yank. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom This is *Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 5 Cross*, the fifth station of a pilgrimage path where the arms are barely perceptible on its weathered face. It stands about 20m south of the graveyard, acting as a humble marker in the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, so take a moment to appreciate how much history is packed into such a small stone.

Explorer Tom Astelleen Burn Waterfall is three kilometres from Glenveagh and seems to be guarded by a ghost who is far too lazy to actually haunt anyone properly. The Irish name translates to 'waterfall of the flood,' which is dramatic for something that mostly just slops along quietly. Go now, before it gets famous.

Explorer Tom The Bridge of Tears carried more than traffic through Muckish Gap. Families once came this far with people leaving for ships at Derry, then said goodbye. The Irish words on a stone beside the bridge remember that parting. I would stop for the story, but keep clear of the road.