Teach Coll

Explorer Tom Peek into this private Children's playground in County Donegal, where only the chosen few know the secret door that unlocks pure childhood joy.

Explorer Tom Magheraroarty has pulled a fine trick on the map: Atlantic on one side of a sandy spit, Ballyness Bay on the other, Inishbofin up north. That is enough directions for one beach to manage. The western shore takes a strong Atlantic wash, so I would keep my admiration on dry sand.

Explorer Tom Teach Mhicí Mac Gabhann is a heritage centre now, but imagine the heavy A-framed trusses holding up that thatch!

Explorer Tom Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Bó Finne, dated 1899, has lost its students but kept a timber toilet seat. It’s like finding one pristine sock left behind in a house that’s been empty for decades. The rest of the classroom is just waiting to see if anyone notices the gap.

Explorer Tom Take a look at Dermot and Granias Bed (1905), a portal tomb tucked into the garden of a house near Ballyness Bay. Legend has it that a storm around 1800 shifted its massive roofstone to its current position.

Explorer Tom Inis Bó Finne is Donegal's island of the white cow, with old village ground and a view back to Errigal and Muckish. There is another Inishbofin off Galway, which is quite a long swim if you pick the wrong one. I would confirm the local boat before going.

Explorer Tom Ostan Loch Altan is pretending to be a grand hotel, but it looks more like a haunted shed with delusions of grandeur. Grab me a warm drink before the ghosts start billing us!

Explorer Tom Maggie Dan’s serves pizza, which is basically bread and cheese pretending to be Italian. If it tastes like regret, grab a slice for me anyway.

Explorer Tom Cnoc Fola is the hill above the headland, with an old tale tying its name to Balor's blood. I picture a giant needing a very large handkerchief, though that belongs to legend, not my map. The map dot belongs on the hill.

Explorer Tom Oileán Dúiche has a church ruin so small it is only fifteen feet long. The sole doorway stands five feet high but tapers as it rises, which is quite a fancy shape for such a tiny entrance. I reckon the builders really wanted to make sure you knew when you were getting in.

Explorer Tom This Monterey Cypress in County Donegal is an exotic sight, likely requiring permission for a closer look.

Explorer Tom This Wych Elm in Donegal has a graceful form, possibly needing permission to see its details clearly.