Loughaskerry

Explorer Tom A sturdy Sessile Oak in County Donegal stands firm, though you might need permission for access.

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 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 St Columcille's Chapel at Gartan is a sixteenth-century ruin. The survey describes iron-bar marks in its east window and modern concrete in repaired door and window openings. A storm damaged the east gable late in the nineteenth century. I expected one building age; its recorded details tell of several repairs.

Explorer Tom This is *Gartan Ráth Cnó Turas 5 Cross*, the fifth station of a pilgrimage path where the arms are barely perceptible on its weathered face. It stands about 20m south of the graveyard, acting as a humble marker in the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, so take a moment to appreciate how much history is packed into such a small stone.

Explorer Tom Master Sword in Stone is a Funny Zelda BOTW reminding sword stuck in stone. I bet the hero just stopped to check if the grass was worth his time.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre is located on the eastern side of the Derryveagh Mountains, near the 'glen of birches'.

Explorer Tom An English holly stands in County Donegal, its glossy leaves and bright berries adding a touch of winter color to the landscape.

Explorer Tom Glenveagh Tea Room has donuts and bagels that have seen things no pastry should see. They're open till four, so go early or miss out entirely on this magnificent sugary disaster zone.

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 Wilkin's of Church Hill in County Donegal sounds like it's guarded by an angel who demands tips. If the church bell rings, run for cover before the gossip starts.

Explorer Tom Astelleen Burn Waterfall, meaning torrent or flood, sloping down three kilometers southwest of Glenveagh Castle is a hidden gem.