A gothic gate lodge on the coastal estate of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.
© National Trust / Mike Henton
A gothic gate lodge on the coastal estate of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.
Bishop’s Gate Lodge is a period retreat for two at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne, an 18th-century estate famous for its eccentric Bishop Earl and his iconic, clifftop folly. The Temple is one of Ireland’s most photographed places and just a mile’s walk away. The clifftop landscape here is steeped in history and nature, with gardens, historic buildings and sweeping North Atlantic views; there’s so much to explore.
The gate lodge has a woodburning stove for cosy evenings in the sitting room and an abundance of light from high ceilings and tall windows. The bedroom’s half-moon window looks over a pretty, private garden with old stone walls and benches, and a spot for relaxing and dining outdoors.
Right on the doorstep, the Bishop’s Gate leads into the demesne to Bishop’s Gate Gardens, past many rare tree species and then onto open grassland with views of the majestic ruins of Downhill House. Visit the Walled Garden or explore the ruin, and follow the paths to Mussenden Temple, on the cliff edge looking out across the Inishowen Peninsula.
Ground floor: Front door opens into sitting room with table for two. Kitchen leading to bathroom with shower over bath. Bedroom with double bed.
Private garden with table and chairs. Utility room in outhouse under cottage, accessed from outside to the rear.
Steps up to the front door. Car parking is a short walk away. We are waiting for an accessibility guide for this cottage. It will be available shortly. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.
Tour some of the rooms at Bishop's Gate Lodge, sleeping two.
Ferries: Stena Line offers a 10% discount for National Trust Holidays guests travelling to a cottage or campsite in Northern Ireland. You’ll need your booking reference to access the discount. Please follow this link. We recommend booking your ferry early due to the high demand for popular crossing times at busy times of the year including holiday periods.
Garden: There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the cottage with outdoor seating.
Heating: The cottage is heated by oil. There is a woodburner in the sitting room.
Parking: There is parking for 2 cars on the throughfare near the cottage
Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.
Please note: The cottage is located at one of the entrances to the Downhill Demense and so at times, there will be people passing and some noise.
Induction hob: Please note there is an induction hob at this cottage. Guests with pacemakers are advised to check with their doctor to ensure there will be no interference with their pacemaker. Guests with pacemakers are also advised to keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) from the hob when cooking.