Losset Cist

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 Whitehill was built around 1820 as a five-bay house beside a small corn mill once powered by a horse. The mill has stone steps up to its first floor. I wonder if the horse envied the house: it never had to turn a mill.

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Holy Well sits quietly in a graveyard complex where St. Columbkille was reputedly born. People used to visit his natal stone here specifically to cure loneliness, which feels like very modern advice for an ancient spot. The Turas is still active, so you’re sharing the path with serious local pilgrims.

Explorer Tom Gartan Ráth Cnó Old Church stands right next to a cross whose arms are barely perceptible. I bet the stone sculptor just ran out of chisel mid-swing, leaving St. Columbkille’s birthplace with a very shy guardian.

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 Glebe House and Gallery lets me visit Derek Hill's home and then see what became of his studio. An 1828 house, art and woodland gardens make quite a three-part outing. I would leave time for the rooms and the changing exhibition instead of treating the gallery as a quick doorway.

Explorer Tom European Beech in County Donegal would cope on a reality show by just standing there while everyone else argues about who gets to eat first. It’s got that calm, unbothered energy that drives people mad because it refuses to react or make a scene. Perfect place to be dramatically windswept.

Explorer Tom Silver Birch in County Donegal is having a massive screaming match with the nearest tree over who looks better in autumn. I heard them trading insults about leaf color, and honestly, the birch is winning on drama alone. If it's closed, admire it from the road like a polite stalker.

Explorer Tom Battle at Doon Rock, Kilmacrennan in County Donegal is where Sir Cahir O'Doherty finally lost his battle against a rock. Legend says a very confused goat actually ruled this patch for three minutes before getting kicked out. Bring someone who'll believe anything.

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 Wilkin's of Church Hill in County Donegal sounds like it's guarded by an angel who demands tips for listening to your problems, which is fair enough. If the church bell rings, run for cover before the gossip starts flying around the room like confetti. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.

Explorer Tom The Lagoon sounds like a place where your food will swim away if you blink. Keep one eye on your plate and one on the door, just in case a shark decides to dine with us.