FORBAIRT Fhánada has announced the signing of a new 20-year lease agreement with the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) for the continued operation and development of Fanad Lighthouse.
The official signing ceremony took place at the lighthouse itself, celebrating the renewal of a successful partnership that has helped position Fanad as one of the most iconic Great Lighthouses of Ireland destinations.
Ray Moore, Chairperson of Forbairt Fhánada, expressed deep gratitude to all stakeholders who played a role in securing this agreement—particularly the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland, and Donegal County Council.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to continue managing public access to Fanad Lighthouse for both guided tours and overnight accommodation,” Mr. Moore said.
“This renewed lease allows us to further develop and improve facilities, while supporting our wider mission to enhance the social, cultural, educational, and economic life of the Fanad community.”
Clodagh Hanratty, Director of Coastal Operations at the Commissioners of Irish Lights, highlighted the broader significance of the partnership.
“The renewal of the lease with Forbairt Fhánada marks a significant milestone in our shared journey to preserve and celebrate Ireland’s rich maritime heritage,” she said.
“Fanad Lighthouse stands as a beacon not only for maritime safety but also a shining example of how heritage can power tourism, sustain communities, and connect people across the island of Ireland.”
Since 2015, when Irish Lights secured €2.5 million in INTERREG funding from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), strategic investment in lighthouse heritage on both sides of the border has helped realise the vision of Great Lighthouses of Ireland (GLI), an all-island partnership that showcases our lighthouse assets as compelling visitor experiences.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of GLI, a milestone that celebrates the power of collaboration, shared vision, and community-led tourism.
“Through Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Irish Lights has brought together a group of people who are deeply rooted in our coastal communities and hugely committed to our lighthouse heritage, and Irish Lights is delighted to be working with Forbairt Fhánada into the future,” Clodagh added.
“Fanad Lighthouse, under the stewardship of Forbairt Fhánada, has consistently drawn strong visitor numbers, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually.
“In 2024 alone, the wider GLI network recorded over international and domestic 355,000 visitors. Fanad stands out not only for its breathtaking location and high-quality visitor experience but also for the tangible benefits it brings to the local economy, supporting local jobs, businesses, and a vibrant sense of place.
“This lease renewal signals a shared, long-term commitment to building on that success. It reinforces Fanad Lighthouse’s place as a cornerstone of Donegal’s cultural and tourism offering and as a symbol of what’s possible when national agencies and local communities work together with a shared purpose.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Forbairt Fhánada and look forward to the next chapter in this remarkable story, where heritage, tourism, and community flourish side by side.
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