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Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

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About

Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. It perches dramatically on a 120 ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal and to the east Castlerock beach towards Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head.

Explore Downhill Demesne and enjoy a stunning cliff top walks around this diverse historical site, Unfortunately Mussenden Temple interior will not be accessible but we hope you enjoy viewing the granduer of this iconic building from the outside.  Parking charges apply.

The temple was built in 1785 and forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol (or the Earl Bishop). The temple was built as a summer library and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. It is dedicated to the memory of Hervey's cousin Frideswide Mussenden and uniquely reflects the personality of its flamboyant creator.

Both the Temple and the breathtaking views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Over the years the Temple itself was under danger of being lost to the sea due to the erosion of the cliff which brought Mussenden Temple ever closer to the edge. In 1997 the National Trust then carried out cliff stabilisation work to prevent the loss of this lovely building.

Wheelchair access. Learning facilities.
Dogs must be kept on leads.

More information >>

Seasonal opening hours >>

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Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available
  • Open Mondays
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Picnic Area

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • Euros accepted

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount

Guide Prices

We are operating Pay by Phone parking at Lion's Gate, where car park charges will apply for non-members.
£5 per vehicle
Free parking for National Trust members.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

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Tel+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Seasonal opening hours apply, see official website for more information

What's Nearby

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Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:Train: Service from Belfast or Londonderry to Castlerock. Bus: Ulsterbus No. 134 between Coleraine and Londonderry. Cycle: NCN route 93 runs past Downhill and Hezlett. Car: On A2, 5 miles from Coleraine. Downhill and Hezlett House are about 5 minutes drive from each other. Drive time: Belfast 1 hour.

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