Fanad

Fanad Head is a wildly exposed headland, and the northerly point of the beautiful Fanad Peninsula, which stretches north from Milford to Fanad Head and back down to Rathmelton. Perhaps best known for its iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse, it is also famous for its stunning scenery, and wonderful beaches and remarkable examples of marine erosion. We recommend taking a walk along the heavily indented coast with its magnificent elevated views over the shoreline below where you can expect to spot grey seals, wonderful coves, crashing waves, and perhaps even a breaching whale in the distance offshore! The Knockalla coast road offers a spectacular drive overlooking Lough Swilly and Inishowen. The Fanad Peninsula Scenic Tour is a 45-mile (72 km) signposted circuit of the peninsula through wonderful scenery.

Fanad Lighthouse is Fanad Head’s proudest possession and its most obvious feature. It was built in 1817 in response to the sinking of the frigate HMS Saldanha. On the 4th of December 1811, the HMS Saldanha struck the Swilly Rocks near Fanad Head as she sought shelter from a storm in the safe waters of Lough Swilly. The Apollo-class frigate of the Royal Navy was just two years old, and fresh from the capture of a notorious French privateer, when she ran onto rocks near Ballymastocker Strand with the loss of all on board. The ship has lived large in local folklore ever since. One story has Captain William Pakenham surviving the wreck but dying shortly later on shore. It is said that the poitin given to revive him from his hypothermic state may in fact have accelerated his death. Pakenham is now buried in the graveyard of the Abbey at Rathmullan. Another story has a local shooting a bird a few days after the wreck, only to discover that it was a parrot wearing a collar inscribed with the words ‘Captain Pakenham of His Majesty’s Ship Saldanha’. The Saldanha’s bell supposedly graces the church tower in Portsalon, and salvaged timbers can be found in the roof of Ramelton’s Town Hall.

Enjoy the wild untamed beauty of Fanad Head a wonderfully remote and idyllic part of Ireland.

How to get to Fanad

By car, bicycle, or foot. Follow local roads from Portsalon to Fanad Head.

Where to stay in Fanad

Fanad has a wide range of good places to stay including small hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

Book Fanad Accommodation

Explore More

Fanad Head is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Portsalon and Rathmullan if you are travelling east, and Downings and Portnablahy if you are travelling west.

Things to do in Fanad Head

1. The Great Arch of Pollaid is one of the less discovered attractions in Fanad. It is a truly beautiful sight and is well worth seeking out. You may even need to ask some of the locals for directions!
2. Fanad’s beaches are among the most beautiful in all of Ireland. Particularly Ballymastocker Beach which was voted as the second most beautiful beach in the whole world!! Other fantastic beaches include Drumnacraig Beach, Doaghbeg Beach, Portsalon Beach (Blue Flag), and Ballyhiernan Bay, all of which are suitable for swimming.
3. Visit the Curlew Cafe at Kerrykeel, a quaint little café and crafts store. Experience some of the typical delicacies of the Fanad area especially home cooking and baking. All baking is done using locally sourced organic products. Nuala, your host, will be sure to entertain you with her stories & chat!