Inch Top

Explorer Tom Not on official maps, but this looks very much like a chambered grave right here on Inch Island.

Explorer Tom Inch Fort is roughly triangular, with a sunken yard and passages underneath. Built in 1813 to defend the narrow channel of Lough Swilly, it was altered around 1870. I picture the fort arguing with a gull about which of its three corners looks most impressive from the air.

Explorer Tom Inch Island in County Donegal is visible from Grianan of Aileach, a significant island dotting the dramatic landscape.

Explorer Tom Mill at Grange (Inch) joined a threshing mill from around 1850 to an older flax mill from around 1820. Both used one water wheel. I thought one wheel meant one job; this one had me counting two.

Explorer Tom Carnaghan Portal Tomb stands on Inch Island, watching over Lough Swilly with two tall stones framing its entrance. Locals call it the King’s Grave, and Fagan found crocks of bones nearby back in 1846. It’s a royal spot that still feels a bit mysterious and isolated.

Explorer Tom Rathmullan Fort is sitting there all stone-faced. I wonder if it’s listening to the waves, or just pretending to be a really big rock that nobody wants to climb.

Explorer Tom The Beachcomber in Rathmullan is probably full of people pretending to understand the tide charts. Grab a pint and listen to them argue about surfing; it's better than reality anyway and much cheaper therapy.

Explorer Tom The White Harte in Rathmullan is right by Kerrs Bay, likely watching boats go by. It's a pub with a name that sounds like a unicorn. Go ask for one, but don't be surprised when you get a pint instead.

Explorer Tom Rathmullan Beach starts at the pier and keeps strolling past Kinnegar toward the Glebe outcrop. If sand could wear walking boots, this strip would be lacing them up. A 2019 Lough Swilly report also notes otters among the wildlife; I would leave any real otter sighting to patience and luck.

Explorer Tom This sturdy Wych Elm in Donegal is a sight to behold, so verify if permission is needed.

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 Lisfannon is the sort of beach that changes its stage set with the tide. The Swilly estuary lays out shallow water, sand and mud flats in turn. A 2019 state report notes otters among the wildlife here. I would watch the stage changes from dry ground and let the tide run the show.