Lion's Gate walking trail
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, DownhillTrail information
*This route includes gravel and grass paths on moderate-to-steep gradients. Depending on the weather, this trail can become slippery.
**There is a short, high-gradient trail beyond the Dove Cote on the path to Mussenden Temple.
***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.
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.
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.
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.
Downhill House | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds End point
Lion's Gate car park, Downhill
Trail map
Downhill Demesne. | © National Trust Images / Conchúr Dowds
Get in touch
Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP