Fanad Lighthouse is an iconic working lighthouse at the mouth of Lough Swilly. It has been voted as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world and it’s easy to see why! It is the flagship visitor attraction on the Fanad Peninsula.
Experience the timeless magic of Fanad and step back in time, hear stories about the lightkeepers of days gone by and climb to the top of the tower to witness the jaw dropping views of the surrounding land and sea.
The lighthouse was designed by George Halpin, one of the most influential engineers in Irish history. He was responsible for the construction of over 50 lighthouses along the Irish coast in the 19th century.
It was constructed after a Royal Navy warship, the HMS Saldahna, sank with all its men in 1811 in Lough Swilly. It had sailed to the Lough to be relieved, following one of its routine patrols. In 1917, the SS Laurentic which was part of the Merchant Navy during WW1, was sunk by two mines laid by a German U-boat at the mouth of Lough Swilly. A total of 354 lives were lost, and to this day, some 20 gold ingots onboard remain on the freezing seabed.
The grand structure that is Fanad Lighthouse is built with granite from Dublin and features diamond shaped windows and a spectacular spiral staircase in the main tower. Guided tours, group tours and private tours are all available to book. All guides are local and can give an authentic insight into the Fanad Peninsula and life at the lighthouse. You will hear stories of love and loss, hardships and resilience. Learn how the light itself has changed over the centuries and how modern-day technology has transformed lighthouses.
For an exhilirating moment to remember, climb to the top of the tower for truly spectacular 360-degree views of North Donegal, the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Swilly. Children must be a minimum of 1.2m in height to climb the tower. In the Virtual Reality Experience, “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldahna”, visitors can go on board the ship itself.
“Éist” is a space where you can sit and hear stories and sounds of generations of life in an Irish lighthouse, whilst a visit to AMHARC provides a chance to watch sea life and the birdlife of the coast.
Imagine watching the light’s beam sweep across the peninsula as darkness falls. Wake up to the sound of waves and seabirds. Explore the beautiful, rugged landscape of the area. Accommodation is available year-round in three charming former lighthouse keeper’s homes, all with stunning sea views. Restored in 2015, the houses are full of traditional character but still offer every comfort for a truly unique and special getaway.