Saint John's Point Lighthouse — Local services in County Donegal

My family were staying in nearby Dunkineely for a New year break. It is my second time to St John's point beach and first to see the lighthouse. We brought the children wrapped up to the beach and I escaped to the lighthouse to blow the cobwebs away on New Year's Day. The road to the lighthouse is private: though the gate is closed, it is not locked. Enroute to the lighthouse by foot, I met unfenced cows and calves roaming. One car passed me heading to the lighthouse and I met another car coming from it. I don't know how they passed each other. Whilst it is tarmacked to the lighthouse, it is wide enough for one vehicle with no passing/pull in places. Either side of the tarmac is swampy marshy boggy land so personally I wouldn't risk driving on this private road especially in winter or prolonged wet weather. The walk from the beach to the lighthouse and back takes 40-45 minutes and was nearly 5000 steps. I didn't walk around the base of the lighthouse as you can rent and stay here so you would be on top of someone's paid rental property if you go pooching around. To properly explore the point, you'd need wellies at this time of year. I didn't have them so kept to the tarmac. There are fabulous views of Benbulben, Donegal bay, Killybegs and Slieve league cliffs. Enroute back to my family at the beach, the cows and calves were on the road and there was a large multi-generational family with young children, grandparents and 2 leashed whippets who asked was it not dangerous to have cows on the road. I advised them to keep away from them but was uneasy for them with dogs and kids in tow closely passing the cows and calves. Bear in mind that whilst this point is a great place to visit & view & orientate you to Donegal & Sligo: you are in cows' territory, the lighthouse is private property, that someone owns the land privately and that the public presumably have a right of way to the lighthouse and point but I hasten to add I haven't studied property law!! The lighthouse would be a unique place to stay should you be...

St. John’s Point is one of Donegal’s best-kept secrets.

It's tucked away on the wild Atlantic coast, this long, narrow peninsula reaches boldly into the sea, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Ireland.

At the tip, you’ll find the iconic St. John’s Point Lighthouse – guiding ships safely since the 1830s. Today, it's a peaceful place to watch the waves roll in and feel the timeless pull of the ocean.

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and unspoiled nature, this is a place to slow down. Take a walk, breathe in the salty air, and maybe even spot a dolphin or basking shark off the coast.

Whether you're here for a quiet escape, a coastal adventure, or simply to reconnect with nature… St. John’s Point is Donegal at its most raw, real, and unforgettable.

I would highly recommend...

After exiting N59 you travel to the lighthouse on a 1.5 car width road for 8.5 Km. After the beach area there is a gate marked private property. To access the Lighthouse exit your vehicle and open the gate. Drive through, make sure to close the gate behind you. There is a sign that reads "beware of the bull". We saw several bulls and cows. We had no issues. At the lighthouse there is a small parking area. You can walk to a viewing area with a staircase to the waters edge. Scenery is fantastic. This is where you need to watch your step - covered in bull*@#t. We met a British couple that were staying at the lighthouse. They were renting a small apartment attached to the lighthouse. This is in the middle of nowhere. You would need to purchase your...