Downhill Desmene and Mussenden Temple have a stunning backdrop. Beautiful on a winters day with lots of grazing sheep all around. Just perfect for a bracing walk over the fields and close to the sea with Downhill beach literally just down below.. Good sturdy footwear required though. Next time we will visit in summer to experience a lovely summer breeze!
I enjoyed his place. The temple is a pretty building and the fact that it is on the very edge of a seaside cliff makes it even more beautiful. The view of the beach below is very pretty. There are two different car parks. I parked at the Lions Gate car park and walked to the temple first and then back past the other building in the middle of the field. It's too bad that the other building in the middle of the field has not been restored. The parking was free and the temple and area was as well. This stop was definitely worth my time.
Visit when the weather is favorable, particularly with low winds - perhaps not that often!wonderful location, try and visit when they have harpists playing in the temple, most Sundays in Summer - fabulous.
We visited this attraction on a lovely sunny day and the views really were spectacular from the temple. It overlooks the beautiful Downhill beach, and we were able to look across as far as Donegal. Nothing really inside the temple, it really is all about the views. Nice walk as far around the grounds. Definitely worth doing on a nice day.
This small circular building, can be found on the cliffs, on the coast road from Derry to Coleraine. It was built as a library, and modelled on an Italian one. It is dedicated to Frideswide Mussenden, hence the name. Entrance is through Lions Gate or Bishops Gate of Downhill Demense, where you can park, and walk over to it. However be careful with your footing, as there are sheep loose on the grounds, and your shoes can get pretty messy! I went early on a Sunday morning, so there was no admission fee, but the temple was shut. There are great views, so bring your camera.
We visited this, as part of a walk. It is a wonderful building, and even though it was slightly cloudy the sight was amazing.
Fantastic site.... lovely architecture, stunning views, space to relax, great walks and gardens.... and so close to the amazing beaches down below the cliffs and close to the other sites to see along the north coast
Mussenden Temple is a quaint building with an interesting history. For those visitors who are used to the standard of NT attractions on the mainland this one may disappoint. Nevertheless on a good day it is worth the walk (which is quite short). The view over Downhill beach is quite stunning. RM
It was well worth making that wee dander over the cliffs in January to see the temple even if it was closed, the outside gates were open so I could walk straight up to it anyways. I was even lucky enough to get several hours of sunshine! The views from that place are simply breathtaking, be it over the sea or the meadows or the village, it is absolutely to die for. I love this place!
The temple and surrounding areas are straight out of a blockbuster but this is real. The beach is stunning and the whole area is peaceful and will steal your heart when you arrive. Beauty itself