Inishduff

Explorer Tom Shalwy Court Tomb / Muinner Carn was fully excavated in the 60s, revealing a massive two-chambered gallery. It’s one of three tombs in this rocky valley, but it’s hidden off the main road, so you’re basically earning your Neolithic history with some serious hiking.

Explorer Tom Toberkieran sits right by the road at Bawin Gate, where pilgrims still make stations on March 5th. It’s tied to St. Ciaran of Saighir, who supposedly predated Patrick and used the sea for missionary work, which is a bold travel choice.

Explorer Tom Traloar strand near Kilcar sounds like a quiet, scenic spot, perfect for those who love the rugged Donegal coastline.

Explorer Tom Viewed from Lergadaghtan near Kilcar, Croaghmuckros in County Donegal looks like a giant’s knuckle, rugged and ready for adventure.

Explorer Tom Drumanoo Head marks the very tip of this peninsula, where the land seems to just give up and meet the sea.

Explorer Tom Muileann Arbhair Leitir has a stone inside that says ‘Kay and Hilton, Fleet Street, Liverpool, 1863.’ I bet that ship captain wrote it in ink while eating a very greasy sandwich. He probably forgot to wipe his fingers before signing the giant rock.

Explorer Tom Droichead Droim na Fiongaile appears on an 1836 map, but its rock-faced arch stones suggest work in the mid-nineteenth century. I like a bridge that makes the map and the masonry tell slightly different chapters.

Explorer Tom Fintra gives me a grand view before I reach the sand: the road drops toward Donegal Bay, with dunes and grassy hills behind the shore. There is a lagoon at the far end from the car park. I would let someone else call that steep, narrow road a quick nip down.

Explorer Tom Cliffs at Teelin drop steeply into the sea, a dramatic backdrop for this part of County Donegal’s wild coastline.

Explorer Tom Crownarad stands at 493 metres, towering over its neighbour Fintragh which sits a mere 381 up. That height difference makes Crownarad look like it’s been wearing an invisible hat while Fintragh tries to keep up.

Explorer Tom Rotten Island sounds like a pirate's insult, but its lighthouse story is serious. The light guides boats into Killybegs Harbour; three workers drowned returning from the island while it was being built. I would remember them whenever that white tower comes into view.

Explorer Tom Cat Castle is named after St. Catherine, but really it’s just a tiny stone corner standing on a hill above Killybegs Harbour. It’s been shrinking since 1355, and now only a 3-metre wall survives. It’s a bit pathetic, sure, but looking out over the harbour makes you wonder what that bishop’s manor looked like when it was whole.