Burial ground in Doire Leathan

Explorer Tom Kilbeg Wedge Tomb sits on a rocky ridge overlooking Teelin Bay, with a view all the way to Mayo. The gallery narrows as it goes, and the big roofstone is slightly out of place. It’s a bit of a tangle, but that sea breeze makes it feel properly ancient.

Explorer Tom Cliffs at Teelin have a favorite song which is definitely 'My Way' because they stand firm against the Atlantic no matter how much wind tries to push them over or make them look silly. They don’t care about your playlist, but they respect the sheer volume of sound coming from the sea below them constantly. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Rann Na Cille stands at the end of Teelin Pier with a lion’s head that looks like it’s trying to roar for a photo. Erected around 1910, this Glenfield & Kennedy creation seems less interested in spitting water and more about keeping an eye on the fishing boats.

Explorer Tom The Rusty Mackerel in Teileann claims to be from 1892, which is either brilliant or a complete lie. Rumour has it a secret tunnel links it straight to the local pub for emergency escapes. Bring your own legend, I've run out of stories.

Explorer Tom Stáisiún Garda Cósta an Teileann in Rann Na Cille claims Queen Victoria visited once to check the tide, but nobody has proof except a very salty footprint. The rock-faced block surrounds are so robust they could survive a small asteroid impact. You might spot a crown made of driftwood nearby.

Explorer Tom Ti Linn Café & Craft Shop smells like someone dropped a bakery into a craft fair gone wrong. Grab a croissant if they have them; it might be stale, but the vibes are undeniably artisanal and slightly confusing.

Explorer Tom Croaghmuckros in County Donegal makes a strange, creaking sound at night that locals swear is just wind, but it sounds suspiciously like a yawn. It’s probably just tired from holding up the sky all day and needs a little nap time. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.

Explorer Tom Slieve League would have 'Finally Tall' written on its tombstone, because it’s always been about outdoing everyone else in the height department without breaking a sweat. It’s basically the most dramatic cliff in the county, and it knows exactly how much attention it gets from the passing yachtsmen. Sit on a wall near it and pretend you're in a painting.

Explorer Tom Traloar Strand has very strong opinions about modern buildings, insisting that every new house should be built out of sand and regret. It thinks concrete is just lazy rock with no sense of style or proper heritage value. Bring the dog along, because honestly, it’ll have even stronger opinions than this place does.

Explorer Tom Muckross Head Promontory Fort clings to a triangular ledge where the cliff drops off like a knife’s edge. A local legend claims there was once a lintelled gate here, which feels daft for a promontory that is basically a sheer drop and a ruin wall.

Explorer Tom Slieve League SE Top is recorded as a mountain / peak in County Donegal, featuring an almost flat summit area. It leads to the narrow arete known as One Man's Pass, so keep your footing steady and your nerves calm.