“Voted as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, Fanad Head Lighthouse, is a hidden beauty still unexplored.” 

A drive to the historic Fanad Head Lighthouse is like a dream come true for many history buffs.

History Of The Fanad Head Lighthouse

Built in 1815, Fanad Head Lighthouse in Co Donegal was built in the aftermath of the tragic wreckage of the HMS Saldanha on the coast of Ireland in 1811.

It was first lit on St. Patricks Day in 1817 and electricity took over in 1985. It is controlled by photocells nowadays, so once it is dark enough outside the light automatically comes on.

The Stunning Fanad

“Imagine how this lighthouse helped the ships to dock with just their light to guide them. Imagine how the light from the lighthouse still lights up the land after darkness falls.”

Fanad Head Lighthouse is one of 70 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland and plays a vital role in maritime safety. It is also one of twelve lighthouses which make up Great Lighthouses of Ireland, a new all-island tourism initiative.

The feeling of stepping back into history passes over as you enter this lighthouse. Malin Head weather station does the forecasting covering the area from Fanad Head, the northernmost point of Fanad peninsula, to Mizen Head, the southerly point of mainland Ireland. This can be heard over the radio before entering the lighthouse.

“After a long drive along the Wild Atlantic way, stepping into the stunning Fanad Head Lighthouse brings you a blissful solitude.”

Guided Tours

 

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If you would love to immerse yourself in the history of Fanad lighthouse, they have lighthouse tours to satisfy your history cravings. Imagine how this lighthouse helped the ships to dock with just their light to guide them. Imagine how the light from the lighthouse still lights up the land after darkness falls.

 

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Climbing up the 76 steps to the top grants you incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The tour of Fanad lighthouse is a right blend of history and excitement.

“The feeling of standing at the edge of the world, with your foot placed on land but looking at the drop to the sea from the top of lighthouse, gives a feeling of butterflies in the tummy.”

The gallery with the amazing photographs showcasing the history of this lighthouse is another beautiful keepsake on this tour.

Stay

And, if you would like to wake up to amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, you are in for a treat. The Fanad lighthouse has restored its lighthouse keepers’ cottages.

“To wake up to the sound of waves and seabirds might be a beautiful moment for many. There is something mesmerizing about such mornings in these cottages, named Dunree, Tory & Inishtrauhull “

The 3 beautifully restored lighthouse keepers’ cottages offer 3 completely different but gorgeous views of the Wild Atlantic Ocean.

They are named Dunree, Tory & Inishtrauhull depending on the island they face. While Dunree is a peninsula across the Lough Swilly, Tory & Inishtrauhul are islands. Tory is an island northwest of Co Donegal and is actually the most remote inhabited island of Ireland. While Inishtrauhull is the most northerly island of Ireland and is uninhabited since 1929.

Souvenir Shop Of Fanad Head

“You can also get beautiful trinkets as well as souvenirs to remind you about the people who are working hard so that history does not get forgotten as time passes.”

The Fanad Head Lighthouse has a shop along with a café to relax after the climb to the top. This is located at the car park and has a few picnic tables to soak in the views of the lighthouse on one side and the Atlantic on the other.

“The gallery with the amazing photographs showcasing the history of this lighthouse is another beautiful keepsake in this tour.”

You can also get beautiful trinkets as well as souvenirs to remind you about the people who are working hard so that history does not get forgotten as time passes.
This shop can be accessed online here. During the summer season, a lot of locals, primarily students will be working in the Fanad Head Lighthouse. This is a great way to preserve and share the history to the next generation.

“All the people working at the Fanad Head Lighthouse, does so with a passion to preserve and share the history of the lighthouse lest it is lost somewhere in between the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.”