Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head Lighthouse
4.5
About
Fanad Head Lighthouse, one of the world's most beautiful lighthouses, is located within the Donegal Gaeltacht on the wild and windswept Fanad peninsula. Join us on a guided tour while taking in the spectacular scenery and exploring the wonderful natural world around us! Learn about the role of the lighthouse and the lives of the light-keepers in our visitor centre or enjoy a unique getaway staying in one of the lighthouse keeper's houses!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • IrelandIrishcailini
    Dublin, Ireland92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour & guide Kevin
    Highly recommended tour of Fanad Lighthouse. It had history, engineering , statistics and the best of all old stories from the locals. I loved going up the steps to the top of the lighthouse as well as learning about the different ship wrecks. Kevin the tour guide was outstanding and captured my attention. He answered all our questions and it was great having a local guy doing the tour. Well done to Kevin and I’ve already recommended the tour and Kevin to others.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 October 2023
  • colmk89
    Ireland16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Tour. Surpassed all expectations!!!
    We did a tour while on a weekend break in North Donegal. It was a great experience. Our guide Oisin was fantastic. He was friendly, informative and couldn't have been more helpful. Learned about the history and importance of lighthouses, not only in Donegal but around Ireland while experiencing the amazing and unique views around the lighthouse. The highlight was the climb to the top of the Tower. The tour also includes a short virtual reality experience and a listening experience. Great value for money. A nice coffee shop at the car park also. Highly recommended and thanks again to Oisin.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 November 2023
  • Della Thurgood
    Nottingham, United Kingdom29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fanad Lighthouse Experience
    What a wonderful place to visit and stay. The accommodation was beautifully decorated; clean, cosy, warm and really comfortable. The tour guide, John, was amazing with his wealth of knowledge, with stories and facts about the lighthouse and former lighthouse keepers. 5 star experience, exactly the same number of flashes which identifies Fanad Lighthouse. Whether you are staying or just visiting, you will not be disappointed. We were so lucky to stay, we absolutely loved it. What a wonderful experience.
    Thank you so much for staying here at Fanad Lighthouse and for your brilliant review! We think John is amazing too - as are all of our guides! Please come back and see us again
    Written 21 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 21 January 2024
  • Pauge M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stay at the Lighthouse! Awesome!
    We stayed in one of the three cottages at the lighthouse at the weekend. (Inishtrahull). The cottage was amazing! Warm, cosy, clean and beautifully furnished. Really comfortable stay. The kitchen is well equipped. Incredibly special experience to look out your bedroom window at the light from the tower, or out the sitting room windows across to Lough Swilly. Views are stunning from every window. . The wind howling outside, but warm and toasty inside. A truly unique experience. The Handmade Soap Company toiletries are a luxury. Lovely hot chocolates from the crew in the coffee shop on site. We got our tour from John, a true gent and a great tour. Really took his time to explain the history, the mechanics and loads of great old stories from this magical place. A natural and a true asset to the place and to our stay. Is it worth it? Every cent. Life is about experiences and this is one that should be on everyone's bucket list. Thanks guys for a very special stay.
    Thank you for your wonderful review of the accommodation at Fanad Lighthouse, we are delighted that you enjoyed it so much. You are very welcome back again!
    Written 21 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 January 2024
  • mariaB76
    Burnfoot, Ireland79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views and brilliant staff
    We arrived around 11:30am and went into the tea shop/gift shop to purchase tickets. The lady there could not have been more friendly or helpful. The 2 options for viewing the lighthouse were explained clearly so we knew exactly what to except. The tour starts with a VR presentation of the shipwreck that resulted in the lighthouse being built - this was our first VR experience and we were amazed by the realism. Outside was a little hut (Eist) with seats to sit and listen to some singing and stories. There are 2 exhibits in the base of the lighthouse with a short film presentation also. Our tour guide was Owen and he was fantastic from start to finish. He was so knowledgable, answering all questions with ease and holding the interest of adults and kids alike. His pride in the heritage and history of the area were obvious and he conveyed that with wit and respect. A few of our group weren’t great with heights but we were never made to feel that we needed to hurry, in fact we were encouraged to only do the climb at our speed. The views from the top are amazing even on a dull spring day - well worth the climb. We ended the tour back in the gift shop and had a great recommendation from the lady there about where we should go next (Pollen Sea Arch) We have visited many attractions throughout Ireland and by far this is the best in terms of how it’s been thought out and how it’s presented. The lighthouse is fantastic but the staff here are the stars of the show.
    Paul, a chara Thank you for visiting Fanad Lighthouse and for your wonderful review!
    Written 21 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 March 2024
  • b1855
    Kilkenny, Ireland19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Fanad Christmas present
    This was our 1st stay at keeper cottage. We are on mission to find all 70 of our Irish lighthouses. So far 45 clocked up ! The cottage was simply furnished, spacious and bed cosy. We made ourselves at home easily. John included us on morning tour of the Lighthouse. He was wonderfully informed and funny too. Thank you John Yvonne at the Fanad shop was a joy to chat to. Such a lovely lady . Morning and night walks seeing Tory and Dunree lighthouses lights at night The pictures don't do justice all we saw and experienced. Rugged landscapes and chatty neighbourhood farmers.
    Thank you for staying with us at Fanad Lighthouse. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and the tour. John and Yvonne really are great characters - we are lucky to have them! Please come back and see us again soon.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 May 2024
  • Steven P
    Ballyshannon, Ireland25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cosy, personal and unforgettable experience
    We went to celebrate our anniversary and had a lovely time. We were perhaps a little lucky with the weather and were able to explore all around in the sun, in April! At night looking out for the other lighthouses was also great. Well equipped self-catering facilities, only slight disappointment was that the nearby Lighthouse Tavern wasn't open until Summer.
    Thank you for staying with at Fanad Lighthouse. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and hope to meet you here again in the future.
    Written 15 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 May 2024
  • Ruth C
    43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit
    Visiting the area and wanted to always visit the light house.Purchased tickets from cafe that is only a small walk from lighthouse entrance.Our tour guide John was friendly , insightful and easy to listen to.The tour is great and I believe value for money. It is definitely worth a visit for the Scenery alone.Visited the cafe and gift shop after for the obligatory holiday souvenir!!
    Ruth, a chara Thank you for visiting Fanad Lighthouse and taking the tour of the tower. we are delighted that you enjoyed it so much! We very much look forward to meeting you here again soon
    Written 30 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 May 2024
  • johnire01
    Sligo, Ireland241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Fanad!
    We really enjoyed our visit to Fanad Lighthouse. All of the staff we encountered are extremely friendly. The young lady whose name I unfortunately forget was excellent as our guide. It's was incredibly interesting to see the workings of the lighthouse and learn the history of it and the surrounding areas. We definitely recommend it. The staff working there are a credit to the place.
    John, a chara Thank you so much for visiting Fanad Lighthouse and for your wonderful review. We are extremely proud of all of the staff, those in the shop, ice cream, tour guides and housekeepers - we are delighted your experience here was a positive one! We look forward to meeting you here again soon!
    Written 15 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles433 reviews
Excellent
325
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Average
18
Poor
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2

Ups-up
Dublin, Ireland1,080 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2020 • Family
Follow the ease of COVID19 Lockdown this the first away from home experience.
For the time being the guided tours are not functioning but the management of Fanad Head Lighthouse allowed us to self explore their lighthouse museum. Quite interesting history and surroundings were able to capture due to the clear whether. Very beautiful place with easy access. I would highly recommend this place to visit.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ashmonman
Monaghan, Ireland251 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Family
Drove out when staying in letterkenny, the weather was great for the 90 minutes we were there.We called to the shop and were met by a very friendly lady and got tickets at 10 euro each that gives you a guided tour to the top of the lighthouse, you can purchase a 4 euro ticket that gets you on to the grounds and the base of the lighthouse. We met another friendly helpful girl in the first building inside the gate and then headed for tge tour. Our guide I think Kevin was his name took us on a very informative tour of the lighthouse, we finished up with coffee and buns bake in the shop, definitely a must if in Donegal
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zulujasp
Westport, Ireland118 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Friends
Highly recommend this place - we are doing the WAW and called in along the way.
Plenty of parking and you can get your entrance tickets from the little shop at the entrance. The shop is small but does great coffees (hot chocolate was very nice!) and has some quality souvenirs to take home.

On our way upto the lighthouse we met the very lovely and absolutely hilarious Teresa!.
She was a true pleasure to meet and talk to. We learnt some Irish and she told us facts about Fanad lighthouse as well as other lighthouses along the coast.

We reluctantly left Teresa and went into the lighthouse itself. It is well set out and has really nice displays of old radios, documents, records of past near misses and ship disasters. The story of Gold Bars destined for America and Canada - secretly hidden within another White Star ship that ultimately sunk and lost many lives was really sad but fascinating at the same time.. especially when it seems over 20 bars still in the ocean!
Lots to see inside as well as a walk to the top off the lighthouse.

If you are in the area - I would definitely recommend coming here.. the views are fantastic as are the staff!..

Thank you Teresa 'tChifidh me thu'..
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FH
26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
We had a week in Dunree View, booked for 2020 then rescheduled twice because of covid. The admin staff were very helpful and responsive about the rescheduling. When we arrived, the staff we met were John, Kevin,Eoghan , all very friendly and helpful (also the ladies in the shop but we didn't get their names). The tour was brilliant (scary steps!!) .
Accommodation was great, very clean. To open the bedroom door and be looking out over the sea was fantastic. The bed was the most comfortable ever. The kitchen/living room was comfy and cosy and we thoroughly enjoyed our evenings there after being out by the sea all day. It's so peaceful - all you can hear is the roar of the sea.
If you're staying a week like we did, make sure to do a big shop - we flew into Derry on a Sunday afternoon and only just made it to Tesco as it was closing, so only had time to grab essentials, and the local shops are a drive away and very limited in what they sell.
There's a great walk over the hills from a lane opposite the pub - there are no signposts telling you there's a walk, it looks like you're walking into someone's farm!
The only things that could improve our stay was if the cafe did food, just basic e.g. soup for lunchtime.
Fantastic stay overall. Would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
Written 19 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BGillman-202
Dublin, Ireland58 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
This is a simple little stop with great views of the surrounding cliffs and the light house. Well worth the 40 minutes to stop. It is pay to enter and get some pics from the lighthouse which I think is worth the entry fee.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Myles D
24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were enchanted with our guided tour of this magnificent Lighthouse. Tour guide Eimear provided a most interesting narrative on the background of this 1817 structure. The weather was good on the day so the views were magnificent. Fanad Peninsula is most attractive!
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

n0ggin
Aberdeen, UK62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
Our guide was a young local who was full of interesting facts, information and anecdotes about life in the lighthouse old days and how it all integrates in todays hi tech world. He was just excellent. It’s a fair distance from anywhere to get there but we’ll worth the effort. Really good cafe as well. The last bit of acccess up to the light is steep and probably not for everyone
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cathe M
Niagara Falls, Canada130 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
A trip to Fanad Head Lighthouse should be on your bucket list the ability to be able to see the inside of a lighthouse with knowledgeable guides is to be recommended. The views from the lighthouse were spectacular. When we were leaving, we met with a family staying at the lighthouse for a week, maybe if we go back, we will stay here.
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Triggz
Antrim, UK16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited the lighthouse today, I have been a few times with friends on our motorbikes, beautiful roads up to the lighthouse but never had the pleasure of a tour.

Make sure and grab a coffee on the way to your tour. There are a few options, full guided or self tour, definitely worth the extra to go to the top.

The tour guide that took us was fantastic, I never got his name, red haired lad, very pleasant, very informative, and went above and beyond with his offers to help our group.

Make sure and take the time to read all the information on the ground floor, the history and stories are amazing. Then you get to see the lighthouse. You get to imagine all of the history as you climb the stairs. You can actually feel yourself step back in time.

My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit. A credit to the staff. Thank you for giving us this memory
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emily O
Mullingar, Ireland1,806 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
This is a really fabulous place. My husband, toddler, baby and I enjoyed a couple of hours here on a self guided tour of the grounds. We paid €4 each as the children were both under 5 so free. If I had been childless here I would have definitely done the guided tour of the lighthouse but you have to book this in advance. We got the Lough Swilly ferry from Buncrana to Rathmullan and drove to Fanad via Ballymastocker Strand/Portsalon beach, a fabulous coastal drive down narrow roads and at times hairpin bends. It rained for most part of the drive and it was spitting rain and misty when we landed at Fanad and I thought we had a wasted journey and day trip but thankfully it brightened up. Stunning scenery awaits you here. We could only glimpse Malin head under heavy mist. If I was coming here again, I know where I would have a picnic in a heartbeat weather dependent. See picture. Thoroughly enjoyed it but we were blessed with the weather. Highly recommended if in North Donegal.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Fanad Head Lighthouse - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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