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 are just a stretch of high rock looking down on the water with mild indifference. It’s a classic Donegal cliff, all weather-beaten and moody. If you’re walking along, keep one eye on the path and one on the drama below.

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 was a coastguard station with rock-faced block-and-start surrounds. It’s got that robust late Victorian architectural character you see on railways and bridges. It’s a sturdy little survivor by the water.

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 has a resident bird that refuses to leave because it thinks the peak owes it rent from last century. The bird is very rude and squawks at anyone who looks too happy. Have a nosey, but be polite to the bird.

Explorer Tom Slieve League in County Donegal is where a poet fell into a ditch after overthinking his own genius. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap while the wind tries to steal your hat.

Explorer Tom Traloar is playing hide-and-seek with me near Kilcar. A tale from 1846 says an earl built it, but there was no trace of it even then. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.

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.