Kill

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 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 Droichead Cró na Saileach has a round, rocky nose sticking out into the river. I bet it was built by masons who just wanted to give the bridge a very stern face for judging the fish passing underneath.

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 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 Gates in Fintragh are built so sturdy they probably need a health check just to prove they haven’t rusted yet, which is frankly insulting for iron that looks like it’s been sitting there since the last ice age. It’s basically a gate with an ego, standing firm while everyone else crumbles around it. Why this place matters: This simple but well-built gateway, of late-nineteenth century appearance, a

Explorer Tom Drumanoo Head would describe itself to a stranger as 'a bit of a loner with great views'. It’s standing out there looking brooding and mysterious, pretending it doesn't want company but secretly hoping you’ll notice its charm. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Croaghmuckros in County Donegal makes a strange, creaking sound at night that locals swear is just wind, but it sounds suspiciously like a yawn. It’s probably just tired from holding up the sky all day and needs a little nap time. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Traloar Strand has very strong opinions about modern buildings, insisting that every new house should be built out of sand and regret. It thinks concrete is just lazy rock with no sense of style or proper heritage value. Bring the dog along, because honestly, it’ll have even stronger opinions than this place does.

Explorer Tom Hughies in Killybegs is where locals feel like kings, even if nobody knows who Hugh actually was. It would survive a zombie attack by hiding behind the strong pints. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

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.

Explorer Tom Harbour Bar probably smells like old fish and bad decisions, because that’s what 'harbour' really means in this context. I’d grab a stool and listen to stories they don’t tell on TV. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.