Fanad Head Lighthouse
Fanad Head Lighthouse
4.5
11:00 - 17:00
Monday
11:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
11:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
11:00 - 17:00
Thursday
11:00 - 17:00
Friday
11:00 - 17:00
Saturday
11:00 - 17:00
Sunday
11:00 - 17:00
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!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
403 reviews
Excellent
295
Very good
84
Average
19
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Gary A
Bangor, UK38 contributions
Dec 2022
Fanad Head Lighthouse is stunning.
We were fortunate to stay with friends for 2 nights and the accomodation and views along with the welcome by John were top class.
Whether you stay or just visit this place is a must see!
We were fortunate to stay with friends for 2 nights and the accomodation and views along with the welcome by John were top class.
Whether you stay or just visit this place is a must see!
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2CAtravelers
Brattleboro, VT750 contributions
Sep 2022
The location alone is worth the drive to the Lighthouse. Absolutely beautiful. Adequate parking for the number of folks visiting.
The tour was interesting and provided insight into the workings of the lighthouse as well as the lives of the men who staffed them and their families.
The climb to the top of the tower is not for the unfit or faint hearted; it is one way up and the same down. The stairway is narrow and the steps themselves are shallow - but the reward at the top is wonderful. If the sun is shining it can be quite warm in the light room at the top.
The tour was interesting and provided insight into the workings of the lighthouse as well as the lives of the men who staffed them and their families.
The climb to the top of the tower is not for the unfit or faint hearted; it is one way up and the same down. The stairway is narrow and the steps themselves are shallow - but the reward at the top is wonderful. If the sun is shining it can be quite warm in the light room at the top.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scolfer
Enniscorthy, Ireland23 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
My husband & I stayed at Drumree at Fanad, a one bedroom cottage. It was fantastic from arrival to departure...We were met on arrival by John who showed us around giving us a lovely welcome. The cottage has everything you could possibly need & I couldnt find anything lacking. The sitting room/kitchen is cosy & charming with it's Carnegie library & pot bellied stove. The winding stairs down to the bathroom with excellent shower & the cosy cosy bedroom with magnificent views have to be seen to be believed. Pictures on the website don't do this place justice. We are already planning our next booking. We had a tour of the lighthouse included in the trip which was fascinating. We enjoyed coffee at the Lighthouse shop/cafe & great chat with Yvonne! We ate at the Lighthouse Tavern & played some music. If you are looking for genuine hospitality & good food don't miss it. There is no TV & no wifi but this was exactly what we needed. Fantastic stay...
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RobPilling
London, UK139 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Having last visited in 1995, when it was automated and a lonely building.
It’s now a vibrant part of the local community with its history, stories and beauty on show for all.
A blustery clear day in October gave us the opportunity to visit, from the beauty on the drive in to the welcome at the Cafe by Therese the tour with Kevin. It was a fantastic few hours, I’ll now have to learn Gaelic so I can have a proper chat with Therese.
These are days that remind you of what’s important in life, being with the one I love and doing things and meeting people that inspire.
It’s now a vibrant part of the local community with its history, stories and beauty on show for all.
A blustery clear day in October gave us the opportunity to visit, from the beauty on the drive in to the welcome at the Cafe by Therese the tour with Kevin. It was a fantastic few hours, I’ll now have to learn Gaelic so I can have a proper chat with Therese.
These are days that remind you of what’s important in life, being with the one I love and doing things and meeting people that inspire.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Myles D
9 contributions
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.
Cathe M
Niagara Falls, Canada138 contributions
Jul 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.
Tammy L
6 contributions
Sep 2022
Our group of six had a wonderful time visiting the Fanad Lighthouse and taking the guided tour. The views from the top of the lighthouse were fantastic (we visited on a beautiful, blue-sky day). Our guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable about the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and the surrounding community. He did a great job, and we thank him for guiding us safely through the grounds and answering our many questions. The onsite gift shop is attended by friendly, knowledgeable staff. They offer a tasty selection of hot drinks (including lattes!) and baked goods and beautiful gift items, some created by local artisans. We also took the time to visit the Pollet Arch, which is a short drive from the lighthouse. What a magical part of Ireland. If you are looking for an affordable, history rich day, surrounded by rugged shorelines and crashing waves, I highly recommend that you take the time to visit the Fanad Lighthouse and the Pollet Arch. You won't be disappointed.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FH
30 contributions
Sep 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!
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.
MacMa
Killiney, Ireland101 contributions
Aug 2022
When in North Donegal, a trip to Fanad Head Lighthouse should be on everyones' itinerary, the ability to be able to see the inside of a lighthouse with knowledgeable guides is to be recommended. The day we were there was a typically Irish day, sunny one minute and a heavy rain shower the next. But having said that being at the top of a lighthouse in a heavy rain shower gives an insight into what it must have been like to be a lighthouse keeper in the midst of a storm and emphasises the importance of them to all mariners and fishermen.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
n0ggin
Aberdeen, UK48 contributions
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.
Vorrei sapere se si vuole passare tre giorni dirmendo nel Faro quando è possibile in che stagione e quali sono i costi?
RIPATAVicenza
Vicenza, Italy142 contributions
Purtroppo non ho idea dei costi e de periodo di apertura al pubblico del faro.Suggerisco di inoltrare la richiesta direttamente sul loro sito. Tutte le persone che abbiamo incontrato lassù sono state particolarmente gentili e disponibili. Il posto è stupendo, per lo meno in estate ... buona vacanza!
Annette B
7 contributions
Is it necessary to purchase tour tickets in advance? We will be visiting this September. Thanks!
DublinMerlin
Dublin15 contributions
No you can buy at the visitor centre when you arrive during season or off season at the entrance to the lighthouse. there won't be a queue it's not that kind of exhibit
226Hia226
3 contributions
How long are the tours roughly?
Craig T
Roseburg, OR386 contributions
The tours are 30 to 45 minutes. You do get to go up in the lighthouse tower, plus look around the grounds.
We stayed at the lighthouse (they have two units they rent out) for two nights. As part of us staying at the light house, the tour was included. Sour our tour may have been a little different than the regular tour that offered.
You can make reservations to stay at the lighthouse. A little spendy, but if you get nice weather the views and sunsets/sunrises are great.
Is this suitable for a buggy?
ainemc80
sligo, Ireland36 contributions
Not suitable for a buggy and i couldnt imagine you being able or allowed carry a baby or small child up the stairs.
Sandi Lee W
Covina, CA8 contributions
Steps to top?
Fergus G
Whitegate, Ireland9 contributions
Very steep and narrow .. approx 60 .. but open to correction
TraceySue H
Hurley18 contributions
How much time should you allow to tour the lighthouse?
ccmacni
17 contributions
I would allow about 90 mins for it.
Honest John
42 contributions
if staying at the light house are there accessible pubs/shops in the area?
Mia
Bangor, UK40 contributions
There is a pub up the road from the lighthouse. It's called the lighthouse tavern. Lovely and friendly welcome, also serves food.
lilymaisie
23 contributions
is there a picnic area and place to but tea coffees etc
thebanger
Glasgow, UK22 contributions
Yes there is a van selling tea and coffee at a good price
Jozef196353
Drogheda, Ireland16 contributions
Godziny i dni otwarcia. Czy wstęp jest płatny?
EimearTS
Letterkenny
Hi Jozef1963,
We are now opened 7 days a week. Tours are from 10.00am- 5.15pm. They are on every half hour.
Full guided tours are €8.00.
Concession Tickets are €5.00
I hope you find this useful.
Go raibh maith agat,
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Fanad Head Lighthouse | County Donegal | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Fanad Head Lighthouse
- Fanad Head Lighthouse is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 - 17:00
- We recommend booking Fanad Head Lighthouse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Fanad Head Lighthouse tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Fanad Head Lighthouse:
- (0.04 km) Fanad Head Lighthouse
- (7.43 km) Portsalon Luxury Camping
- (15.02 km) Ballyliffin TownHouse Boutique Hotel
- (14.99 km) Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa
- (15.68 km) Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
- Restaurants near Fanad Head Lighthouse:
- (0.81 km) Lighthouse Tavern
- (15.48 km) The Narrow Quarter Bistro and Coffee House
- (15.22 km) Nancy's Barn Ballyliffin
- (11.42 km) The Rusty Nail
- (13.89 km) The Singing Pub
- Attractions near Fanad Head Lighthouse:
- (9.64 km) Mamore Gap
- (11.14 km) Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre
- (12.48 km) Glenevin Waterfall
- (10.14 km) Fort Dunree Military Museum
- (2.19 km) Great Pollet Sea Arch