Skip to content
Northern Ireland

Lion's Gate walking trail

An image of Mussenden Temple.
Mussenden Temple | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

This walking trail around Downhill Demesne provides the shortest and easiest route to Mussenden Temple. Starting at the Lion's Gate entrance, you'll be taken on a blissful journey through the Walled Garden, along the clifftop path overlooking breath-taking views of the Atlantic ocean, to the iconic Mussenden Temple.

Start point

Lion's Gate car park, Downhill

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 0.8 (km: 1.28)
Duration 30 mins
Dog friendly***
  1. *This route includes gravel and grass paths on moderate-to-steep gradients. Depending on the weather, this trail can become slippery. 

  2. **There is a short, high-gradient trail beyond the Dove Cote on the path to Mussenden Temple. 

  3. ***As livestock is present all-year round, dogs should be kept on a lead at all times during the trail.  

  • Total stages: 4

    Total stages: 4

    Start point

    Lion's Gate car park, Downhill

    Stage 1

    After parking at Lion's Gate car park, step into the Walled Garden and discover our orchard, where you'll find a variety of apple trees, many of which would have grown in Ireland during the 19th and 20th centuries. You'll also find facilities.

    An image of three people walking through the Walled Garden at Lion's Gate towards the Dovecote in Downhill Demesne.
    Walled Garden | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

    Stage 2

    An easily recognisable status symbol, the Dovecote was designed to store pigeons and doves - often kept by wealthy, elite families for food, as well as for their feathers. Below, you'll find the old ice house, which stored meat for the Earl Bishop's table and ice for keeping food fresh.

    An image of the Dovecote and Ice House at Downhill Demesne.
    Dovecote and Ice House | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

    Stage 3

    Perched right on the cliff edge with panoramic views of the North Atlantic Coast, stop for a photo at the iconic Mussenden Temple. Based on the design of the Roman Temple of Vesta, the Temple was originally built to house the bishop’s library. Due to conservation requirements, the building is only open for the public during events.

    An image of three people walking towards Mussenden Temple.
    Mussenden Temple | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

    Stage 4

    Though now in ruins, Downhill House is still worth a look today. The striking 18th-century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop is one of only a few buildings of its kind surviving. If you're lucky, you might even get a chance to watch archaeologists at work.

    An image of the front of Downhill House, known locally as the Castle.
    Downhill House | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

    End point

    Lion's Gate car park, Downhill

    Trail map

    An image of three people walking across Downhill Demense towards Mussenden Temple.
    Downhill Demesne. | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds

    You made it

    Share your experience

Get in touch

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP