Fanad Head Light, Maritime lighthouse at Lough Swilly entrance, County Donegal, Ireland
Description
Fanad Head Light is a lighthouse at the entrance to Lough Swilly in County Donegal, serving maritime navigation along the Irish coast. The tower rises between the bay waters and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding coastal landscape.
History
The structure was built following the shipwreck of HMS Saldanha in 1811 to warn vessels away from dangerous rocks. The beacon first started operating in 1817, marking a turning point for maritime safety along this stretch of coast.
Culture
The lighthouse stands in the Donegal Gaeltacht, a region where Irish language and traditions remain part of daily life. Visitors encounter local stories and the living connection to Irish-speaking culture through conversations with those who work here.
Practical
The location has parking, a refreshment shop, and guided tours of the tower available for visitors. It is wise to check in advance whether tours are running and what conditions apply on the day of your visit.
Did you know?
Three former keeper's houses now serve as overnight accommodation, allowing guests to stay at an active maritime station. This unusual lodging offers insight into how lighthouse keepers and their families lived in earlier times.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (County Donegal).
Historic lighthouses around the world tell the story of the way ships have been guided for hundreds of years. From the rocky coast of Norway to the cliffs of the Pacific, these towers have helped sailors since ancient times. The Tower of Hercules in Spain has been shining over the sea since the...
Lighthouses tell the history of sailing with their shapes and building styles. Some go back to Roman times, like the Tower of Hercules in Galicia, a structure from the second century still working today. Others are from the Middle Ages, such as the Hook Lighthouse in Ireland, with its...
Doe Castle
22.5 km
Fort Dunree
10.2 km
Carrickabraghy Castle
17 km
Ards Forest Park
22.1 km
Lenan Head Fort
7.1 km
Neds Point Fort
18.1 km
Knockalla Fort
11.3 km
Raghtin More
10.7 km
Portal Tomb von Ballyannan
13.9 km
Buncrana Lighthouse
19.8 km
Urris Hills
9.3 km
Dunree Head lighthouse
10 km
Clonmany Church of Ireland
12.9 km
Christ Church
19.4 km
Buncrana Castle
18.6 km
O'Doherty's Keep
18.5 km
St Mary’s Oratory
19.4 km
Buncrana Church of Ireland Parish School
19.4 km
Buncrana Library
19.4 km
St Mary's Church
20.2 km
Allied Irish Bank
19.4 km
The Cinema Buncrana
19.2 km
Mill River Railway Bridge
19.8 km
Castle Bridge
18.7 km
Plaza Ballroom
19.3 km
Gortleck Catholic Church
12.7 km
Bank of Ireland
19.5 km
Banagher Presbyterian Church Glenshane Road Claudy Co. Londonderry
7.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes