Enclosure in Dooish

Explorer Tom Glenmore Lodge is essentially a ghost, with its main house demolished around 2000 but these sturdy outbuildings left standing in Aghaveagh. It’s a great little treasure hunt to spot the rare dovecote tucked into the upper block.

Explorer Tom Donaldson Memorial Hall in Aghaveagh is a parish hall from 1901 with coloured glass windows that probably cost more than my car. It’s got clasping buttresses and quoins that make it look like it’s hugging itself for warmth, which is fitting for Donegal weather.

Explorer Tom Gorey Hill stands in County Donegal as a mountain peak with its access details completely unknown. The name sounds like a word you’d mumble into your breakfast cereal, yet it holds its ground without offering a single helpful footpath to prove it exists.

Explorer Tom Jackson's Hotel claims Joe Jackson perfected Irish Coffee there back in the 1940s, which is basically yesterday as far as I'm concerned. Drink one for me and pretend it tastes like victory and strong ambition. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.

Explorer Tom Harley's in County Donegal serves drinks that hit harder than your last ex, so don't look too closely at the mirror after three rounds of liquid courage. It’s on Navenny Street where the vibes are questionable but the beer is definitely not. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.

Explorer Tom Drumboe Wood is a riverside walk with harder history nearby: a castle once guarded the River Finn ford, and a memorial recalls four men executed here in 1923. I would give that stone a quiet moment.

Explorer Tom Altnapaste is a mountain peak where the summit offers quartzite footing and big views. Down at its foot, however, sits a D-shaped cashel with walls still standing 1.5 metres high. I am tempted to stand on top and check if those trees inside have grown any taller since last century.

Explorer Tom Standing Stones near Cloghroe keeps two portal stones and a backstone in the survey account. Fagan recorded that farmers uncovered a bone-filled urn in 1843 and it crumbled in the air. One quick breath undid a very long wait.

Explorer Tom Newmills Corn and Flax Mills has a waterwheel big enough to make me stop and watch the machinery do the hard work. Corn and flax kept different trades moving here. Heritage Ireland's 2026 visitor season has ended, so I would check the next opening date before making the trip.

Explorer Tom Scarrifholis was nearly sold for a horse in 1650 because nobody could agree on the price. It’s still annoyed about that deal, honestly. Stand there long enough and someone will definitely ask if you’re lost or just having an existential crisis.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Ardahee in County Donegal is where history got messy and people stopped talking about it. It’s a field full of old arguments and new grass. Find a local and ask them the real story, then come back and tell me.

Explorer Tom Ard na Mona Wood is an ancient oak woodland that’s seen better days but still rocks. It's a 1.9 km loop, perfect for a quick wander. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket for good measure.