Kinnagoe Bay

Explorer Tom Claggan Bridge was built around 1800 with one large arch over the River Dooalt. Its stone parapets step outward at both ends. I would need to draw it from above to show the trick properly; the river only gets to see the arch.

Explorer Tom Rose Cottage, built around 1855, is standing right where a whole little village used to be before it just vanished off the maps. I reckon the thatch roof is keeping an eye out for those missing neighbors, hoping they pop back in wearing their oldest clothes.

Explorer Tom Crockaulin offers a lonely triangulation pillar that stares down at Greencastle from a dizzying height. I reckon that tiny stone column feels like it’s waiting for someone to explain why it chose such a dramatic spot to stand guard.

Explorer Tom Tremone Bay has been keeping an icy secret in its rocks. Geological Survey Ireland records debris dropped by ancient ice in the bedrock at White Strand’s northwest end, roughly 590 to 570 million years old. I cannot blame the beach for looking smug; most places would brag about a history half that long.

Explorer Tom Michael John's Pub has two first names, which makes it basically a committee of one. I saw a toucan on the wall, but the car park was empty and quiet. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Cliffs, Inishowen Head are right at the tip of the world, or so it feels. The rocks have been listening to sailors argue for centuries, and they’ve heard everything. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Port a Dorais Cave and Natural Door in Stroove is literally a rock arch the sea built just to show off. I bet it’s been judging everyone who dares walk that mile down the shore. Mind your toes on the rocks, yeah?

Explorer Tom Stroove Beach has two lighthouses for neighbours, which is a lot of competition for a small shore. The sand is the reason for this stop, not the towers. I might ask the towers to mind my place while I take my litter home, as Donegal tourism asks visitors to do.

Explorer Tom Greencastle Martello Fort was built to stop Napoleon from wading in. I can’t help but imagine him slipping on a wet rock and sliding all the way down to Derry with his hat flying off.

Explorer Tom Greencastle was built in 1305 to hold down the North West. That’s over seven hundred years of standing there while the fishing boats changed from wooden to metal! I bet it’s still listening for the clank of old swords.

Explorer Tom Dunagree Point carries the twin granite towers of Inishowen Lighthouse. The lighthouse account says its rear tower was raised by 7.6 metres to improve visibility on Lough Foyle. I can almost hear the headland saying, “I stayed put while the tower did the stretching.”

Explorer Tom Martello tower on magilligan point in Doaghs Lower is throwing a century-old tantrum. It claims to be a fortress but looks like a giant's forgotten chimney. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans whatsoever.