How to Visit Fanad Lighthouse
Read our travel guide on Fanad Lighthouse in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Situated on Ireland's wild north coast, Fanad Peninsula is home to many incredible places.
One of them is Fanad Lighthouse, a historical landmark that was built after the HMS Saldanha shipwrecked in the waters of Lough Swilly.
It's perched on a grassy cliff overlooking the endless waters of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of 11 lighthouses in County Donegal.
Fanad is often recognized as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, making it a great place to visit for all types of travelers.
Undoubtedly, Fanad Lighthouse is one of the top attractions in County Donegal, and we are not afraid to say it's also one of the best stops along this stretch of Wild Atlantic Way.
If you have a car, it's relatively easy to get there. And if you're a fan of remote locations and lighthouses, Fanad will be a highlight of your Ireland road trip.
Still, there are a few things to know about Fanad Lighthouse before you go.
Visiting Fanad Lighthouse
There are a few things to do at Fanad Lighthouse. You can explore the grounds, take a tour, and stay at the lighthouse overnight.
We visited Fanad Lighthouse on a rainy and windy day.
And while the weather was far from perfect, it really created a more intimate experience.
And it gave us some insight into how difficult living in such a remote and unhospitable place must have really been.
The grounds were well-maintained, and the lighthouse itself looked brand new.
We didn't catch a tour while we were there, though we could still enter the lighthouse grounds and explore the ground floor exhibition.
However, the guided tour that also includes a climb to the tower with 360-degree views is definitely the best thing to do while at Fanad.
The tickets can be purchased at the visitor center at the first parking lot, where you can also grab a coffee or buy a small souvenir.
Sitting at the mouth of Lough Swilly, Fanad Lighthouse tells a fascinating story of lighthouse keepers, their families, the local shipwrecks, and how maritime safety and navigation have evolved.
Even if you don't take a guided tour, it's really worth reading about its history, the story of the local people, HMS Saldanha, and why lighthouses are important.
The lighthouse itself is absolutely stunning and very photogenic, and the views from the cliffs will leave you in awe.
You can see the Malin Head with Urris Hills, Bulbin, and Lough Swilly on your right and Tory Island on your left.
In the summer months, the waters around Fanad become a temporary home to bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, whales, and even killer whales.
If you decide to stay overnight at Fanad Lighthouse, you can see the lights of the lighthouses at Tory and Inishtrahull islands.
And, of course, Fanad itself, which has been safely guiding the ships in the area for over 200 years.
History
The story of Fanad Lighthouse starts with a tragedy that occurred on December 1811.
HMS Saldanha
HMS Saldanha and HMS Talbot sailed from Buncrana to enforce a naval blockade against France but were caught by storm en route.
Both ships decided to turn back to seek shelter, but HMS Saldanha hit the rocks at Carragi Dhonaill and sank.
More than 250 people died during the disaster, including the young Captain William Pakenham. Only the ship's parrot survived.
After the wrecking of HMS Saldanha, it was decided that a lighthouse was needed for this area.
Fanad Lighthouse
The designer of Fanad Lighthouse was appointed George Halpin.
He was a prominent civil engineer from Ireland, who helped to build Bull Wall in Dublin, established many new lighthouses, and modernized several old ones.
A new tower was built in 1886 to make the lighthouse more visible from the Atlantic.
Helipad
In 1969 a helipad was constructed at Fanad to enable relief services to lighthouses on Tory and Inishtrahull islands.
Coastguard and Army helicopters scarcely use the helipad today.
Dive Sites
We can't fail to mention that area of Lough Swill and the North Atlantic Ocean is a resting place for many shipwrecks.
And there are several popular diving sites in this area today.
79 EIRE
Another interesting fact about the lighthouse is that not that long ago, the 79 EIRE marker was rediscovered near the lookout tower here.
These navigational aids from WW2 dot the Irish coast and can also be found at places such as Mizen, Downpatrick, or Sheep's Head.
Lighthouses in Ireland
Today, Fanad Lighthouse, which was opened in 2016 to the public, is a popular tourist attraction welcoming visitors from all over the world.
If you want to see more lighthouses in Ireland, visit Mizen Head, Valentia Island, or Old Head of Kinsale.
Fanad Lighthouse
Here are some facts about Fanad Lighthouse. The tower is 22 meters high, and the light at the top is 39 meters above sea level.
It has 76 steps, which means it's not wheelchair accessible, although the ground floors and the lighthouse grounds are.
Principal Keeper and Assistant Keeper maintained the lighthouse in the past; the third light-keeper helped during the winter.
They lived at the lighthouse with their families throughout the year.
Their children attended an Irish-speaking Ballymichael School, 2.5 kilometers from here. In 1975, the lighthouse was converted to electric operation.
By 1978, only Principal Keeper remained. He retired in 1983 when the Fanad Lighthouse was fully automated.
Things to Know Before You Go
Even though you can technically see Fanad Lighthouse for free, be prepared that the best experience awaits you behind the ticket office.
Whether you want to just walk around the grounds or take the Tower Tour, it's worth the money.
It's a long drive, and taking a photo from a distance probably will provide a disappointing experience.
It looks pretty obvious on paper, so it's just a small reminder that you will most likely end up buying tickets to Fanad Lighthouse to get the most out of this area.
Opening Hours
Fanad Lighthouse is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM from June to September.
In the shoulder season, from March to May, Fanad Lighthouse is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Fanad Lighthouse is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM in the off-season, which lasts from October to February.
As usual, opening times may change, so always check the official website before you go.
Entrance Fee
As mentioned earlier, there is an entry fee of €4 per adult to Fanad Lighthouse, and the Fanad Lighthouse Tower Tour is €10.
In case you're traveling around Ireland on a budget, it's possible to see the lighthouse from the viewpoint at the second parking for free.
How Much Time Do I Need
In general, you will need about two hours at Fanad Lighthouse.
The fully guided Fanad Lighthouse tours usually take around 45 minutes.
Depending on the weather, it's easy to spend another 30-60 minutes wandering around the grounds, taking photos, and enjoying the views.
Then you will need a few additional minutes to get from the parking to the entrance and back.
When to Go
Fanad Lighthouse is open year-round, but the site has seasonal opening times.
The best time to visit Fanad Lighthouse is during the summer. The weather in Ireland is at its best, and the site is open seven days a week.
Just be prepared that hotels are expensive, and you won't have the lighthouse for yourself.
Traveling during the shoulder season has many benefits, but the weather can be quite unpredictable.
We consider early autumn and late spring the best time when to visit Ireland in general.
You can visit Fanad Lighthouse in winter, just remember that it's closed on some days.
The good news is that the guided tours are available all year round.
What to Pack
Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather. A lightweight windbreaker or quality rain jacket are essential items on every Ireland packing list.
Windproof and rainproof gear come in handy not just at Fanad but also in places such as Connemara or the Wicklow Mountains.
Even though walking from the parking area to the lighthouse is short and easy, ensure you have comfortable walking shoes.
In summer, you will need sunscreen, a comfy daypack, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Fanad Head Lighthouse is by car.
Just remember that some of the roads on Fanad Peninsula are very narrow, and you need to drive carefully there.
If you're interested in this topic, here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland.
Also, make sure to read our guide on renting a car in Ireland.
Car
Fanad Lighthouse is a 45-minute drive from Letterkenny.
The nearest city in Northern Ireland is Derry, about 75 minutes from Fanad Lighthouse. However, we suggest making a detour to Malin Head first.
It's another incredible place to visit in County Donegal.
You can reach the lighthouse in 90 minutes from Donegal Town.
It takes about four hours to get to Fanad Lighthouse from Dublin and about four and a half hours from Galway.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
TFI Local Link services the 300 route between Letterkenny and Fanad Lighthouse.
With one service a day, this is not the most convenient option for travelers, though.
Always keep in mind that reaching your next destination in Ireland without a car and scarce public transport can be a challenge.
County Donegal is packed with amazing places like Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League, and Fanad Peninsula.
And traveling between them without your own transport is very time-consuming.
Parking
There is free parking at Fanad Lighthouse, right next to the small visitor center, less than 200 meters from the entrance.
Some people parked their vehicles right next to the entrance, where we found another parking area, though much smaller than the main one.
Where to Stay
One of the most amazing things about Fanad Lighthouse is it offers accommodation. Yes, you can spend a night at the lighthouse.
Otherwise, Letterkenny is your safest bet when it comes to accommodation in this area.
If you're continuing to Northern Ireland, the city of Derry has a good selection of hotels.
There are also many bed and breakfasts scattered across the countryside.
They are usually a bit cheaper but have limited availability.
Therefore, you need to book early, especially during the peak season.
Here are our tips on hotels near Fanad Lighthouse.
Fanad | Fanad Lighthouse - With a unique location, amazing history, cozy rooms, and stunning views, the lighthouse is one of the best places to spend a night while visiting Fanad. Free parking is available on-site.
Letterkenny | Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny - Located in the center of Letterkenny, this hotel has a contemporary design, modern rooms, a swimming pool, and great food. Free private parking is available at the hotel.
Derry | Holiday Inn - This modern 3-star hotel offers clean rooms, an on-site restaurant, a good breakfast, and a convenient location. Great value for money.
Staying Safe
Fanad Lighthouse is a very safe place to visit.
Stay on the designated paths, make sure you have appropriate clothing and drive carefully.
As usual, don't leave any of your belongings in your car in plain sight.
By the way, there is a height restriction for climbing the tower at Fanad Lighthouse, and children have to be taller than 1.2 meters for safety reasons.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Fanad Lighthouse Worth Visiting?
Fanad Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Ireland, and we believe it's definitely worth seeing, at least if you're in County Donegal.
It has a fascinating history, a stunning setting, and easy access.
The only downside is that there is a small entry fee if you're interested in the guided tour.
For us, the whole journey across County Donegal to reach the Fanad Lighthouse sitting at the edge of the peninsula was an unforgettable experience.
We were really glad that we included Fanad on our Ireland road trip itinerary, and not just the lighthouse but the entire peninsula.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
