Reading Chaucer

Explorer Tom Oakfield House’s walled garden is a relic from the eighteenth century, proving that big estates needed serious resources to keep things running. It’s been altered recently, but it still holds its own as a key part of that lush parkland landscape.

Explorer Tom Oakfield Park in County Donegal smells like a mixture of wet dog, old rubber, and the faintly sweet scent of regret from all the picnics that went wrong here over the last few decades without anyone cleaning up their messes properly afterwards. It is a unique aroma that you can only truly appreciate if you close your eyes and really

Explorer Tom Old Royal School is where Isaac Butt learned his letters! I bet he was terrible at spelling 'homework' and hid his books under the floorboards. The building looks very serious, but I feel like it’s secretly giggling about his bad penmanship.

Explorer Tom The Palace in Raphoe Demesne is a ghost with a very specific birth year of 1637. Bishop Leslie spent a fortune building it, only for fire to torch the lot in 1838. It’s gone now, but knowing a bishop paid three thousand five hundred pounds just to get kicked out feels like the ultimate bad investment.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks is a palimpsest of history, with 9th-century carvings hiding inside its modern walls. Adomnán himself was linked to this monastery back in the 7th century, so that ground has seen more than just your average Sunday service.

Explorer Tom Cathedral in Raphoe Townparks hides a 9th-century lintel right under your nose. It depicts St. Peter chopping an ear off, which is a bit of a violent detail for a church entrance, but it proves this spot has been holy chaos for over a millennium.

Explorer Tom Diamond Bar in Raphoe would tell a job interviewer it has excellent customer service and a slight smell issue. It sits at the north end of The Diamond Square. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.

Explorer Tom Mongorry Hill is having a bit of an identity crisis, probably because 'Mongorry' sounds like a dog that stole your sandwich. It’s just sitting there being a peak in County Donegal. Perfect detour when the satnav has a meltdown.

Explorer Tom After the 1557 Battle of Binnion Hill near Lifford, one captured horse stood out among the spoils: Shane O'Neill's horse, called 'The Son of the Eagle'. Even the horses had names fit for a clan chronicle.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Tully, Glenmaquin Lower, Roosky is a patch of earth that remembers being trampled by very angry people. It's quiet now, but the ground still feels like it's holding its breath. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug about your discovery.

Explorer Tom Carnowen Hill in County Donegal is the subject of constant seagull gossip, with them whispering about whether it’s peaked or just a big mound. They’re not sure either. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now, don't overthink the bird chatter.

Explorer Tom Mongavlin Castle is quite the sturdy survivor, with large walls and corner turrets still standing proudly from its days as a fortified house. Legend has it to be the home of Ineen dubh, mother of Red Hugh O'Donnell, so you’re stepping into some serious local lore here.