Here you will find magnificent cliff top walks, affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring North Coast.
Discover the striking 18th-century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruin, and then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge.
Downhill Demesne began to assume its form around 1772 when Fredrick Hervey (1730-1803), known as the Earl Bishop from
his twin titles of Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, chose this spot to build a country house.
There are two main entrance points to the property Lion’s Gate and Bishop’s Gate from which there are paths leading to Downhill House, The Mausoleum, Mussenden Temple, the Walled garden, Dovecote, the Pond, Black Glen, Belvedere and Bishop gate gardens.
As an extra treat you can learn about the reality of life in the rural 17th-century cottage of Hezlett House, told through people who once lived there in one of Northern Ireland’s oldest buildings.
Opening times:
Downhill Demesne grounds – Open all year.
How to get here:
By train: Castlerock ½ mile
By road: 1 mile west of Castlerock and 5 miles west of Coleraine on Coleraine to Downhill coast road (A2)
By ferry: Magilligan to Greencastle ferry (8 miles)
By bus: Ulsterbus 234 Coleraine to Londonderry, alight crossroads, few minutes walk
By cycle: NCN93 borders property
Telephone:
028 70848728
Email:
downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk