Standing between idyllic Lough Swilly and sandy Mulroy Bay, Fanad Head Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

With its location in the Donegal Gaeltacht (an Irish speaking area) on the eastern shore of windswept Fanad Peninsula simply exquisite, it’s little wonder that this lighthouse is a Wild Atlantic Way highlight.

Following the shipwreck of the HMS Saldanha in the waters of Lough Swilly in 1812, a lighthouse was proposed for Fanad Head.
The lighthouse was designed by one of the foremost civil engineers of the time, George Halpin and first lit on 17th March 1817. Its fixed light showed red to sea and white towards the Lough, and could be seen for 14 miles (22 kilometres) in clear weather.
The lighthouse was converted to electric operation in 1975.
The lighthouse was automated in 1983.