Meendooish Hill

Explorer Tom Doon Fort is claiming its best mate is actually a very confused dolphin who gets lost in Doon Lough every summer. It’s been sitting on that little island since 1500, looking like it’s waiting for someone to bring it a sandwich and some gossip. Stick around for the light changing, because this stone ringfort knows how to throw a proper party.

Explorer Tom Kiltoorish Hall keeps a close eye on O'Boyle's Island from its hilltop perch. I wonder if Mr. O'Boyle ever tried to swim across in his bathrobe, or if he just enjoyed shouting at the water? Built around 1880, it looks like it’s waiting for a very specific visitor.

Explorer Tom Swan Mount sits right on top of an old village from 1837! I bet the house is still listening to the ghosts of the clachan below whispering about where their tea kettles went. It feels like standing on a giant, very quiet sandwich.

Explorer Tom Narin–Portnoo Strand is a cove with grand ambitions: about two kilometres of sand and a dune ridge behind it. Dunmore Head takes some of the Atlantic’s edge, while Inishkeel sits out front like it reserved the best seat. I would keep that island on my map, with the tide as its own boss.

Explorer Tom Rosbeg’s Tramore Strand has a whole sand department working behind it. A geological field guide describes dunes along this open coast and more by the Loughros Mór estuary, as if one set of dunes could not decide where to settle. This is the southern Tramore, not its namesake near Dunfanaghy.

Explorer Tom Inishkeel has old churches and carved cross slabs, which sounds like a fine island hunt to me. Then Heritage Ireland stops me at the first step: it says the island is inaccessible to the public. An old low-tide crossing story is not a current invitation.

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Portal Tomb is basically a stone huddle where the portal gets completely swallowed by the side slab. It’s tucked into wet pasture near Loughros More Bay, and Thomas Fagan saw it exactly this way back in 1847. So if you’re expecting grandeur, maybe lower your expectations, but I like its stubborn little posture.

Explorer Tom Kilclooney More Court Tomb was actually drawn by William Burton Conyngham in 1799, back when its lintel was still perfectly in place. Now that massive slab is lying upside down on the floor, which feels like a bit of a letdown. But the old name 'Dermot and Grania's Bed' makes me think it’s all about legends.

Explorer Tom Carrickalahagh Headland is a cliff that would teach history by throwing pebbles at you every time you get a fact wrong, which is basically constantly for most people. It’s got the attitude of a teacher who has seen too many students trip over their own feet on this very path. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.

Explorer Tom Bonny Glen Wood - Bonny Glen walk would bring a bottle of wine and a very serious face to any party it attended. It had a fire in 2011 and now acts like it’s been through therapy and came out stronger. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Illancreeve in County Donegal is being judged by the rabbits, who think it’s too pointy and not fluffy enough for their liking. It’s probably just a rock that got stuck in a weird position and can't move out of its own way anymore. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Maghera Caves have enough openings to make me lose count: thirteen beside Maghera Strand, including Uaimh a' nDaoine, the Cave of the People. That name gives my imagination a full day's work. These are real sea caves, though, so I would keep my distance from the entrances.