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Fanad Lighthouse
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Family friendly
Free car parking
Cloudy days
Experience the timeless magic of Fanad Lighthouse. One of the great lighthouses of Ireland standing between idyllic Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay in County Donegal, Fanad Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

Enjoy a tour of Fanad Lighthouse. Step back in time and hear stories about lightkeepers in days gone by. Climb to the top of the tower for spectacular 360 degree views of North Donegal, the wild Atlantic Ocean and Lough Swilly. Guided tours last 45 minutes and are also available in Irish, along with printed material in German and Ukrainian.

For an exhilarating adventure, try their new virtual reality experience ‘The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha’.

With the Éist Audio Experience at Fanad Lighthouse, you can take time to appreciate the coastal spectacle that unfolds in this space while you absorb the stories and sounds of generations of life in a Gaeltacht lighthouse.

There is a coffee and craft shop with accessible facilities and free parking. The lighthouse experience is not suitable for those with mobility issues. A moderate level of fitness is sufficient to climb the tower. The exhibition space on the ground floor and the base of the tower are fully accessible. There are thirty three car park spaces and two coach bays.

Why we like it
  • Breathtaking views from the tower.
  • Meet lightkeepers during the guided tour.
  • See old log books and maps at the exhibition.
  • Self-catering accommodation available at the lightkeeper's cottages.
Tips from locals

You can only get into the lighthouse on a guided tour (for health and safety reasons) and it's worth it to see how the local guides paint a vibrant picture of life in a lighthouse.

Tips from locals

In the summer months, you have a good chance of spotting dolphins, basking sharks and seals from the lighthouse.

Contact details
Cionn Fhánada,Earra Thíre na Binne, Baile Láir,Letterkenny,Co Donegal
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here.

More to discover at Fanad Lighthouse
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