Shore Greens

Explorer Tom Bayview has a curvy top that ends in a big round ball! Built c. 1885, it looks like someone left a giant marble on the roof. I wonder if they balanced it there just to prove they could?

Explorer Tom Cranamore was built c. 1885 and locals suggest it was made for the British Admiralty! Imagine sailors in stiff uniforms staring out at Lough Swilly, plotting secret naval moves from that fancy curvilinear gable. I’d hide a tiny submarine under the garden wall just to be safe.

Explorer Tom Ubiquitous in Buncrana claims to be everywhere at once, which is either impressive or terrifyingly efficient. I’d check if you’re still yourself when you leave that place. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.

Explorer Tom Inishowen Gateway Hotel sits in Buncrana, right by the river, acting as a gateway to nowhere specific. It’s a place where confusion is part of the package and the view is all you get. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local.

Explorer Tom O'Doherty's Keep is recorded as a castle in County Donegal, and its history with the Ó Dochartaigh clan makes it a significant part of Inishowen’s past. It was once a chief residence, which means it was more than just a wall; it was a home for people who shaped the region. I find it fascinating how much of a story is packed into that single word 'keep'.

Explorer Tom Neds Point Fort is recorded as a fort in County Donegal, and its name suggests a specific point of land that was likely important for defense or trade. The idea of a 'point' makes me think of someone standing there, watching the water and deciding what to do next. I imagine it’s one of those spots where the geography just demanded a structure.

Explorer Tom Ned's Point Standing Stones are named after someone called Ned, which instantly makes me picture him sitting on one while checking his fishing line. It’s the sort of name that begs for a story about who was actually there and what they were up to. I’d love to know if Ned ever complained about the rocks being cold in December.

Explorer Tom Stragill Beach in County Donegal ended up in this specific spot because it took a wrong turn at Buncrana and was too stubborn to admit its mistake. It’s been pretending ever since that this is exactly where it always wanted to be, despite the traffic. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.

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 Wych Elm in County Donegal is sick of people asking if it's haunted, so I'm asking: has it ever seen a ghost? It just rustled its leaves in a way that said 'please stop asking me about spirits.' Bring a friend who talks too much and let the place shut them up.

Explorer Tom Flight of the Earls in County Donegal is looking down at us all with that aristocratic disdain, probably reviewing my outfit and deciding I'm just not up to par for the occasion. It's got that look of 'I flew out, so why are you still here?' which is quite rude but effective. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.