Ray McAnally

Explorer Tom Water pump in Ardaravan has a cast-iron lion staring down St. Mary’s Road with such serious intent that I imagine it forgot to actually spray water and just got distracted watching a butterfly land on its nose.

Explorer Tom Post box in Ardaravan carries Gaelic 'P&T' letters and an Enniscorthy foundry mark. The heritage record dates it between 1924 and 1946 and says it may have moved here. I picture it asking the cinema next door whether anyone remembers its first address.

Explorer Tom Ubiquitous in Buncrana is everywhere at once, which is either impressive or terrifyingly efficient. I’d check if you’re still yourself when you leave that place.

Explorer Tom O'Doherty's Keep was captured and burnt by English Crown forces in 1608. I can’t believe they just torched it! That’s like setting your house on fire because you lost a game of cards.

Explorer Tom Tullyarvan Mill Hostel smells like damp socks and ancient secrets. The millstone might still be grinding something up in there. Check if the floorboards creak when you stomp around.

Explorer Tom Neds Point Fort is probably just a very shy gatekeeper. It’s been standing there near Buncrana, waiting for someone to knock on its front door, but I suspect it’s still asleep.

Explorer Tom Ned's Point Standing Stones sound like they belong to a guy named Ned who lost his bet. Maybe he left them as security for a very old loan.

Explorer Tom Stragill Beach is near Buncrana, likely a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the Donegal shoreline.

Explorer Tom Macamish Fort is a sleek, oval-shaped Martello that has been staring down Lough Swilly since 1813. It’s now a private holiday home, so don’t just peek in the window like a weirdo! Go stand by the rock-cut ditch and imagine the gunners holding their breath for a French ship that never came.

Explorer Tom Lisfannon is the sort of beach that changes its stage set with the tide. The Swilly estuary lays out shallow water, sand and mud flats in turn. A 2019 state report notes otters among the wildlife here. I would watch the stage changes from dry ground and let the tide run the show.

Explorer Tom This graceful Wych Elm in Donegal is worth a visit, so don't forget to check access rules.

Explorer Tom Scalp Mountain in County Donegal is recorded as a peak that definitely keeps its hair on. I imagine it’s got a bit of a grumpy look, standing there with that whole view captioned and ready to judge your hiking boots.