Northern Ireland

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Visit this stunning landscape and beautiful gardens.

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

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Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset Opening time
Hezlett House Closed
Mussenden Temple Closed
Downhill Demesne Facilities 10:00 - 17:00
Downhill Demesne Grounds Dawn - Dusk
Al's Coffee Hut 10:00 - 17:00
Mussenden Temple is open only at events. Hezlett House is closed due to conservation works.
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Open

Partially open

Closed
We are operating a pay and display parking at Lion's Gate, where car park charges will apply for non-members .

The pay and display machine only accept cash( no notes) and exact change is needed.

You can also pay using PaybyPhone application (location code 805919)

£10 per vehicle all day

Free parking for National Trust members.

Free parking for blue badge holders

Parking
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid
Cars £10.00
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Fully accessible grounds around Lion's Gate, grass paths and slight undulating terrain and steps . Accessible toilet at Lion's gate. Al's Coffee bar open for take-away service.
Click here to access the full Accessibility Guide for Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
Accessible route and/or map
Accessible toilet
Designated parking
Level access to food outlet
Level access from Lion's Gate
Steps/uneven terrain
In parts of the estate

Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset	Opening time
Hezlett House	Closed
Mussenden Temple	Closed
Downhill Demesne Facilities	10:00 - 17:00
Downhill Demesne Grounds	Dawn - Dusk
Al's Coffee Hut	10:00 - 17:00

Parking
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Cars		£10.00

Article

The North Coast Wedding Fair

Hosted at one of Northern Ireland's most breath-taking landmarks, engaged couples, along with family and friends, are invited to join us at the National Trust's first ever wedding fair at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne in April 2025.

A photograph of Mussenden Temple at sunset.

The Vox Set at Mussenden Temple

The Vox Set returns for a second series of intimate concerts inside the iconic Mussenden Temple. Experience an evening like no other as both established and up-and-coming singer-songwriters grace the 200-year-old walls with their cherished classics.

Events at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Discover what's on at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

The ruins of Downhill House at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry

Article

Things to do at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

See the Mussenden Temple perched on the clifftop and explore the dramatic coastal landscape of Downhill Demesne which is steeped in history. See far-reaching views from the country fields and paths. Look out for colourful wild flowers in the natural grasses.

An aerial photograph of Downhill House and Mussenden Temple.

Article

Signature experiences at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Join our local experts on one of our signature experiences to discover the history and culture of the iconic landmark and stunning landscape.

Visitors walking their dog at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne , County Londonderry

Article

Visiting Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne with your dog

Downhill Demesne is a one pawprint rated place. Discover Downhill Demesne with your dog. Explore the clifftop garden and wander through the historic coastal landscape to see the famous Mussenden Temple.

PDF

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Map

An image of a bride and groom standing at the steps of Mussenden Temple.

Article

Weddings at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Desmesne

Whether you are seeking a romantic ceremony, an unforgettable engagement or timeless wedding photographs, Mussenden Temple and the surrounding Demesne is an exclusive and exceptional venue like no other.

The exterior of Bishop's Gate Lodge, County Londonderry

Stay at Bishop's Gate Lodge

New for 2023. Book a stay in the 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.

Two people sitting in a field surrounded by spring flowers on the clifftop at The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent

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