The Shack

Explorer Tom Marble Hill Beach has two rocky outcrops at its eastern edge, dunes at the back, and birds and wildflowers ready to steal my attention. I arrived for the sand; the supporting cast is demanding its own poster. Sheephaven Bay can keep the top billing.

Explorer Tom Shandon Hotel in Donegal sounds like it’s been standing there since the Viking era. Ask a receptionist how old it really is and see if they blink.

Explorer Tom Faugher House had four rooms on each main floor, gun holes in the yard wall and a brick oven in the kitchen. Was this a home or a stronghold? Both, I think! The house rose in the late 1600s inside a defended yard from about 1611. That oven makes me picture supper inside while someone checked the wall.

Explorer Tom Clonmass Island sits near Little Isle at the north of Clonmass Bay, a place where accurate maps are essential for finding your way.

Explorer Tom Breaghy Head has caught my eye in County Donegal. I bet a headland with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Explorer Tom Step into this open Children's playground in County Donegal, where the gates are wide and the laughter echoes across the green, rolling hills.

Explorer Tom Saint John's Church (Clondahorky), dated 1752, stands near a tunnel Alexander Stewart built because Isabella wanted a private way from her house to church. A whole route just for that journey! I need a drawing to see how the tunnel and church fit together.

Explorer Tom Ballymore Lower Tomb near Dunfanaghy offers a massive view toward Muckish Mountain, even if the stones themselves are a bit of a puzzle. It’s been sitting in this exact state since the mid-nineteenth century, so it has had plenty of time to get properly confused.

Explorer Tom We can drive clockwise to enter this friary grounds. Let's take this moderate coastal loop and soak up those historic, salt-air views.

Explorer Tom A tall Monterey Pine graces County Donegal, and you may need permission to appreciate its full height.

Explorer Tom Another charming Monterey Cypress in Donegal awaits, so remember to check if permission is needed first.

Explorer Tom Cliffs at Lamb's Island stand tall and proud, guarding the waters around this small Donegal island with rocky grace.