Description
Fanad Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland
Fanad Head Lighthouse was conceived as essential to seafarers following a tragedy which happened over 200 years ago. In December 1811 the frigate “Saldanha” sought shelter from a storm. Sailing towards Fanad as she frantically fought the raging wind and waves. Sadly, reaching the shore safely never happened and the ship was wrecked off the northern coast with all 250+ men on board.
Believe it or not the ship’s captain “William Pakenham” & his pet parrot made it safely to shore! But reportedly he died soon afterwards by the shock of Poitin(Alcohol) poisoning which given to him by helpful locals. The poor parrot also met a sad end the week afterwards when a local gamekeeper seen it in his garden. Unfortunately he didn’t know what it was so he panicked & shot it dead! Some folk only think they have bad luck….
Soon after this tragedy the Fanad Head Lighthouse was built to help guide ships and sailors safely on their journeys. Still in operation to this day, standing on a rocky outcrop on north Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way blinking its guiding light out to sea to aid ships past its inviting yet deceiving rocky waters.
