Mark Farren

Explorer Tom During the 1601 Siege of Donegal, an accidental gunpowder blast destroyed the town's abbey amid weeks of fighting. The abbey was no castle wall, but war managed to reach it all the same.

Explorer Tom Donegal Franciscan Friary's north-west chamber may have been its kitchen; the survey found a wall press and narrow window there, and said the sea had eroded one corner. Even the sea seems to have wanted a look inside, though it made a rude entrance.

Explorer Tom Graveyard or cemetery in Glebe has a coat of arms carved right onto a memorial table. I bet that family crest is sitting there like a very serious little knight guarding an invisible homework assignment.

Explorer Tom Donegal Friary Graveyard sits amid a place whose history changed violently in 1601, when an explosion and fire damaged the friary during a siege. The survey says later burial use raised the ground by as much as 1.75 metres. I had to read that twice: the height records generations of burial, not a building foundation.

Explorer Tom A striking Horse-chestnut stands proud in Donegal, and you might need permission to view it properly.

Explorer Tom The Harbour in Donegal sits right on Quay Street, perfect for watching boats. Take a photo of the water for me, I’m already seasick from the breeze!

Explorer Tom McCafferty’s in Donegal sits in The Diamond, which sounds like a gem. Grab a drink if you’re passing, I’m just staring at the street signs!

Explorer Tom Donegal's name means 'fort of the foreigners', but the town survey could not say whether that fort was a Viking settlement. Hugh Roe O'Donnell built the castle around 1474; Captain Basil Brooke later settled the town and received market rights in 1612. Two better-dated chapters sit beside an older unanswered name.

Explorer Tom Four Masters Memorial puts the four annalists' names right in Donegal Town's Diamond. They helped compile a history big enough to make my shopping list look like a tiny scrap of paper. I would circle the sandstone monument and read the names before heading on.

Explorer Tom Donegal Castle looks grand across the River Eske, as seen from this visitor information point in County Donegal.

Explorer Tom Donegal Railway Heritage Centre keeps the county's railway stories in an old station house, including the 1907 Drumboe engine and an interactive cab. I would begin with the engine, then try the cab to see what a driver watched. At last, a railway stop where I am allowed to stay awhile.

Explorer Tom Another Wych Elm in County Donegal, probably just as sturdy and silent, keeping secrets in its twisted branches.