Direction Ireland

Fanad Lighthouse

Northwest Ireland | County Donegal

Fanad Lighthouse is located near Portsalon on the end of Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal. It was built at the request of Captain Hill of the Royal Navy in Derry. His request was addressed to the Corporation for Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin after the frigate Saldana was wrecked near the shore of Fanad Head in 1812. He claimed that lighthouse could prevent this kind of situations in the future. His appeal was accepted and in 17th March 1817 Fanad Lighthouse was lit. Its red non-flashing could be seen for fourteen miles in clear weather (the optic consisted of nine Argand sperm oil wick lamps and parabolic reflectors). In 1880's new 22 m high (72 feet) tower was built and new optic was installed. The main light was flashing white and red every thirty seconds with its fixed catadioptric lens. On 12 August 1909 the new revolving third order 500mm focal distance lens turned by a weight driven clockwork rotation machine together with a vaporised paraffin mantle burner was exhibited giving a character of six flashes every fifteen seconds. In 1975 the light was converted to electric and the light character altered from Group Flashing six white and red 15 seconds to Group Flashing five white and red 20 seconds. Light can be seen for the distance of 18 nautical miles. Fanad Lighthouse is still not open to the public but its stunning scenery attracts many tourists, especially spectacular Great Arch - the largest natural arch in Ireland, which can be seen from the cliffs of Fanad Head.

• OPENING TIMES :
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
  • Tues, Wed, Thurs: 10:00 – 15:00
• ADMISSION FEES :
  • Adult (tour only): €5
  • Adult (including tower): €8
  • Family (2+2): €20
• CONTACT:
  • Phone: +353 (0)838091199
  • Website: fanadlighthouse.com
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes