Travel columnist Anna Farren shares a guide to viewing the beautiful Fanad Lighthouse on Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way.

Donegal has been the recent focus of the likes of the Irish Independent, and has (as we all know by now) been named the ‘coolest place on the planet’ by the one and only, Lonely Planet, so it seemed an obvious choice to feature some snapshots of Fanad Lighthouse – one of the most well-known attractions in the North West.

Fanad Lighthouse has been called, and rightfully so, one of the world’s most beautiful lighthouses along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Not only can you enjoy the view of the lighthouse itself at Fanad Head, but you can enjoy equally as stunning views on the drive to the lighthouse along the Knockalla Coast Road, a road that offers multiple opportunities for panoramic snaps along the way.

Having wandered around the lighthouse, taken snaps adjacent to the helicopter pad and photographed the crashing waves by the rugged coastline, your adventure can continue on.

A short drive along the Knockalla Coast Road will bring you to your pick of beautiful beaches with a stop off on the beach only a stone’s throw from Fanad Head, offering the perfect backdrop for a sunset snap with the sun setting directly above the water – idyllic.

My last stop offers a lovely stretch for a beach walk before making your return journey home. Portsalon has always been one of my top picks when it comes to choosing a beach to visit on a sunny Donegal day. It never fails to disappoint and is placed perfectly for a visit on route home from Fanad lighthouse.

Having been almost a year since my last visit to the beautiful Fanad Head, it has come to my attention that I must make a return trip in the very near future, this time making it my business to research and find out how one can access the inside of the lighthouse. I will keep you posted!