Murlog

Explorer Tom Downings ringfort has a collapsed wall that was once three metres thick in places. A second line of stones may have been another wall, and a gap to the east may be the original entrance. Tom likes that the survey leaves him two puzzles, not two answers.

Explorer Tom Downings gets to sit snug in Sheephaven Bay while Rosguill takes the Atlantic full in the face. I can almost hear the peninsula boasting about the arrangement. Donegal tourism lists windsurfing here, though the wind gets the final say on any plans for the water.

Explorer Tom McNutts Coffee House in County Donegal might be vacant! If so, take a pic of the empty room and tell them Tom was there!

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Doire Chasáin is a former national school from 1902 that has swapped chalkboards for carpets. Those original timber sliding sash windows still stare out from what is now a private dwelling, looking slightly confused about the change of curriculum.

Explorer Tom Beach Hotel in County Donegal is right by the beach, which means sand everywhere, including in places you didn't know existed. Pack a vacuum cleaner just to be safe.

Explorer Tom Cliffs at Lamb's Island are exactly what they say: rocky drops near an island that might not even have any sheep on it. The birds probably rule the roost there. Keep your footing secure and try not to scare the gulls off their lunch spots.

Explorer Tom Cliffs north of Downies are just cliffs, but they look like they’ve seen some things. The name 'Downies' makes me think of sheep, so I’m expecting them any minute now. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.

Explorer Tom Stella Maris Catholic Church in Magherabeg is keeping things simple with those square-headed windows. It was built in 1954 to look modern, which back then meant looking like a slightly confused filing cabinet, but I dig the clean lines anyway.

Explorer Tom This playground is definitely judging your life choices, just like Tom does. The sandbox might be full of ancient treasure if you dig deep enough. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

Explorer Tom Mevagh High Cross is a stark, undecorated slab standing in the graveyard of a ruined medieval church. It’s simple and unadorned, which makes it feel like a quiet guardian overlooking the steep drop to Mulroy Bay. No fancy patterns here, just raw stone and history.

Explorer Tom Clonmass Island is sitting quietly in Clonmass Bay, probably judging your life choices from afar in County Donegal. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap, because I've run out of my own stories already.

Explorer Tom Marble Hill Beach has two rocky outcrops at its eastern edge, dunes at the back, and birds and wildflowers ready to steal my attention. I arrived for the sand; the supporting cast is demanding its own poster. Sheephaven Bay can keep the top billing.