Fanad Head Light, Maritime lighthouse at Lough Swilly entrance, County Donegal, Ireland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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