Fanad Head Lighthouse: One of the Most Beautiful Sites in Ireland

Fanad Head Lighthouse has to be one of the best sites in all of Ireland.

I mean, who out there doesn’t love a lighthouse set in a gorgeous location?

Lighthouses evoke feelings of hope, sorrow and longing.

You imagine a young woman pining to see her young man again, hoping that he is safe as he battles the sea.

Okay.

Maybe this is just me.

But there is a sense of beauty, drama and romance to a lighthouse.

And Fanad Head Lighthouse is no different.

Fanad Head Lighthouse and views to the sea. Beautiful!

Where is Fanad Head Lighthouse?

This lighthouse is on the Fanad Peninsula in Northern County Donegal.

And County Donegal is the far northwest county of the Republic of Ireland.

It’s not as heavily visited as many other counties in Ireland — think Cork, Kerry and Clare.

But Donegal is amazing.

And this lighthouse protects the waters of the North Atlantic and the entrance to Lough Swilly which is a narrow lough that runs between the Fanad Peninsula and the Inishowen Peninsula.

I was staying in Dunfanaghy when I made my visit.

It’s about a 45 to 60 minute drive from this charming seaside village.

And the drive out Fanad Peninsula is splendid.

From Dunfanaghy follow the N56 toward Creeslough.

At Creeslough you’ll turn onto the R245 toward Carrickhart.

Around Carrickhart you’ll see signs for Fanad Head Lighthouse and the Fanad Peninsula.

It’s pretty well posted, so simply follow the signs which will be brown.

Fanad is actually part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way so really, you can’t miss it.

Scenery on Fanad Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland

This is the view as you get closer to Fanad. I think this was the first glimpse of it. It’s breathtaking!

The spectacular coastline of Fanad Peninsula. There’s even a beach!

Can you go into lighthouse?

Hell yes!

In fact, you can go all the way up into it.

Some folks simply want to get pictures of the exterior and the gorgeous surroundings.

You can do this free of charge — although you’re not allowed on the immediate grounds of the lighthouse without paying so you can’t get too close.

I highly recommend really experiencing Fanad Head Lighthouse.

Pay the €10 to go onto the grounds and to take the tour up into the tower.

The tour is fabulous!

You learn about the history of the lighthouse.

You discover how the navigation system has changed over the years.

And you hear the stories of the lighthouse keepers.

There are some wonderful old photos.

The best part of the tour is climbing up all those stairs to truly see and experience the lighthouse up close and personal — and you get stunning views!

You can actually see over to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head — the most northerly point in Ireland — on clear days.

Just be sure you are able to handle the narrow stairs to fully take advantage of the tour.

But if you are, take the tour!

Looking up at Fanad

It was quite windy the day I visited so I wasn’t allowed out on the balcony at the top of the tower. But I did get some views out the windows to Inishowen. Wow!

Why is Fanad Head Lighthouse so special?

Well, I’m partial to it because I think the location is stunning.

I’m a big fan of northern Donegal with all its magnificent coastline and hidden beaches and gorgeous views.

So the setting is one aspect that makes Fanad Head Lighthouse exceptional.

An interesting aspect is that Fanad is considered a sea light versus a harbor light.

What’s the difference?

Well a harbor light gives navigation to a harbor, leading the ships into it.

A sea light is simply a light to ensure that ships know that land is there so they don’t hit it.

And while Fanad Head Lighthouse does lead to a harbor in Lough Swilly, it’s still considered a sea light.

I love this view of the lighthouse. It really shows the beauty of the landscape and seascape.

Looking toward Lough Swilly from the lighthouse grounds.

The best thing about Fanad

How’d you like to stay at Fanad Head Lighthouse?

Yup.

There are 3 self-catering apartments at this beautiful lighthouse.

I toured 2 of them.

They’re wonderful.

Simple and clean.

Nothing luxurious or fancy.

Yet warm and inviting.

And the views are spectacular!

One of them is smaller and perfect for a couple.

The other 2 will hold up to 4 people.

Can you imagine staying at a lighthouse for a couple of nights?

I think this would be such a unique and memorable experience.

It’s really quite beautiful, isn’t it?!

If you love lighthouses, you need to visit Fanad

Don’t miss Fanad Head Lighthouse if you’re a fan of these incredible structures.

This is really one of the most beautifully situated lighthouses.

And it’s also one of the best tours in Ireland and one of the best sites in Ireland.

Seriously.

The information is interesting and this lighthouse — and the landscape around it — is simply stunning.

Not only that, but Fanad Head Lighthouse is considered one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland.

And if you’re really an aficionado, stay in one of the apartments for a few nights.

Have fun!

And be sure to tell me all about it 😉

Fanad Head Lighthouse logistics

Fees:

€10 — Adult with tower

€6 — Adult no tower

€25 — Family of 2 adults and 2 children

€3 — Child

Children under 5 are free.

If you have a group of more than 15 people, please contact the lighthouse in advance.

See website for accommodation prices and do book well in advance.