Fanad Head lighthouse
Fanad, Ireland
A white lighthouse on the rocks between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The view from the road above is the classic photo.
Fanad Head Lighthouse stands at the tip of the Fanad peninsula in County Donegal in the north of Ireland, on a rocky outcrop above the sea. From Portsalon it takes about 15 minutes by car; according to Wikivoyage the last stretch is a narrow, winding country lane from Fanad.
The lighthouse was built after the frigate HMS Saldanha was wrecked offshore (sources give years between 1804 and 1812); the ship's parrot is said to have been the only survivor. The engineer George Halpin designed the tower, and the light first shone on St Patrick's Day 1817. The tower is about 22 m high with 76 steps inside; on a guided tour you climb up and enjoy a panoramic view.
For road-trippers: there is plenty of parking right at the lighthouse, and the tower is visible from the car park. The cliff edge above the lighthouse is cordoned off but not secured, so keep a good distance. No camping is listed at the lighthouse itself; according to Wikivoyage the nearest site is Knockalla Caravan & Camping Park in Portsalon (April to September, check ahead). Planning permission for a new visitor centre was granted in October 2025, so check access, times and tour prices in advance.
- Nearest town
- Fanad, Ireland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 55.2757, -7.6326
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Eelburn Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover5 km from Fanad Head lighthouseMotorhomes
- Portsalon CampingMotorhome stopover8 km from Fanad Head lighthouseMotorhomes
- Knockalla Caravan & CampingMotorhome stopover10 km from Fanad Head lighthouseMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Binnion Bay Caravan & Camping FacilityCampsite13 km from Fanad Head lighthouse
- Mulroy Bay ResortMotorhome stopover15 km from Fanad Head lighthouseTentsMotorhomes
- Wild Atlantic CampMotorhome stopover24 km from Fanad Head lighthouse · 20 pitchesMotorhomesShowersToilets
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fanad Head lighthouse?
Fanad Head lighthouse is in Fanad, Ireland, at GPS 55.2757, -7.6326. It is about 20 km from Malin Head.
Can you camp near Fanad Head lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Eelburn Caravan Park, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fanad Head lighthouse?
Fanad Head lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Donegal: Slieve League to Fanad Head.
What is there to see near Fanad Head lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Horn Head (23 km), Glenveagh Castle (32 km), Mussenden Temple (53 km) and Giant's Causeway (71 km).
When is the best time to visit Fanad Head lighthouse?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)