By Alaric 
Mussenden Temple is easily one of the most recognisable landmarks in Northern Ireland.
It’s a gorgeous Italianate temple perched on the jagged cliffs of Castlerock, overlooking dramatic views of Downhill Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
It forms part of Downhill Demesne, a large property protected by the National Trust and makes the perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Game of Thrones fans will also love visiting as this is the filming location for Dragonstone and the Burning of the 7 Gods.
Here is how to visit Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne and all the amazing things to do there.
The history of Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple
Downhill House was built for an eccentric named Frederick Hervey. ‘Demesne’ pronounced ‘Duh-mayn’ is another word for a Lord’s land.
He was also known as the ‘Earl Bishop’ as he had twin titles of Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry.
The grand house was built in 1780 by the designs of Michael Shanahan. This spot was chosen due to its remote location for raising his family.
The Earl Bishop married Elizabeth Davers and they had five children together.
Hervey was well travelled and his favourite country by far was Italy.
The Earl Bishop ordered the Mussenden Temple to be built in 1783 inspired by the Temple of Vesta.
This fabulous feature of the estate was designed as a grand library and refuge for his sick niece who loved to read.
It caused a bit of a scandal as the tabloids reported that the Earl Bishop and his niece were having an affair.
Unfortunately, the mortification of this drama further contributed to his niece’s decline in health and she died in 1785. It is now a memorial to her.
Towards the end of his life, the Earl Bishop had many illicit affairs and died in Italy in 1803.
Bizarrely, his last wish was to be sent back to England in a casket of sherry (what a legend)!
Unfortunately, a fire in 1851 devastated the mansion. Everything was destroyed including the house library and many priceless paintings.
The RAF requisitioned it during WWII and the roof was later dismantled. It remained in the family until 1948 and is now a romantic ruin.
Today, the demesne is protected by the National Trust and Mussenden Temple is one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern Ireland.
Visit Dragonstone from Game of Thrones
Many people don’t know that Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach were used to film Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
The scenes feature in series two when we see the Burning of the 7 Gods led by Stannis’ unhinged advisor Melisandre aka Red Priestess.
You can easily visit Downhill Beach and there is parking on the sand. Or, you can head up to the Mussenden Temple on the cliffs.
The views are spectacular and the epic scenery transports you straight to Westeros! You can almost imagine Daenerys’ dragons flying overhead.
How to visit Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is perched on the cliffs of Castlerock in Northern Ireland. It’s part of the Causeway Coast in County Londonderry.
It makes an easy pitstop on a road trip to the area surrounding the Giant’s Causeway as it’s only five miles west of Corelaine.
You can access most attractions on the Causeway Coast using the A2 main road. Just head towards Castlerock and Benone Strand.
The National Trust car park is easy to find and is marked by brown tourist signs.
Once you have parked, the walk to Mussenden Temple will take around 10-15 minutes over a grassy headland. It’s very simple and easy.
Ticket prices & parking options
Although owned by the National Trust, it doesn’t cost any money to visit Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne.
You only pay to park your car. The National Trust has a dedicated parking area at Lion’s Gate that is free for members.
However, if you’re not a member you have to pay £10 for all-day parking which is reduced to £7.50 during winter.
As an alternative, there is plenty of free off-road parking found just outside National Trust – Bishop’s Gate further up the A2 road.
You can then start the walk on the Downhill Demesne near the mausoleum before walking over to the mansion and temple.
Opening Hours
Technically, the walk around Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne doesn’t ‘close’ as it’s a cliff headland open all hours.
However, the National Trust Lion’s Gate car park does have opening hours which are 10 am – 5 pm and they lock the gate out of these hours.
If you plan on staying later than this, I recommend parking in the lay-by area outside Bishop’s Gate which has no restrictions.
I am a member of the trust but the volunteers recommended this option to me as I was visiting quite late in the afternoon.
They didn’t want me to rush my visit and I thought it was so nice of them.
Things to do at Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
Most people make a beeline to Mussenden Temple from the car park.
But, many don’t realise that there are plenty of interesting sites to see during a visit including a walled garden, mansion ruins and a mausoleum.
It makes the walk far more interesting and you can visit them all on a circular loop. Here are all the things to look out for during your walk.
Downhill Walled Garden
Lion’s Gate is located near the Walled Garden so it makes sense to start there.
This planned garden was used to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers for the main house.
There are not many flowers here today but you can find lots of apple trees and sheep.
Dovecote & Ice House
Before you head out to the cliffs, you can stop by the old ice house and Dovecote.
This circular building was used to keep meat and fish fresh for the Earl’s table.
There were no fridges back then and so the ice was cut from a nearby pond in winter.
Mussenden Temple
Every time I take this walk and the Mussenden Temple comes into view over the cliffs, I’m blown away.
The architecture and views over the ocean are utterly breathtaking.
It’s so much more spectacular in person than any of the photos or videos you see online.
As you approach the circular facade you can admire finer details in the architecture such as a crest above the door and Latin inscriptions.
Unfortunately, due to chapters of time, the temple is now an empty shell and is closed due to ongoing renovations.
However, they often open it on special occasions and for wedding ceremonies. How romantic!t
Although you can’t go inside, the outer building is still a wonderful place to take photos. You honestly can’t take a bad one as it’s that beautiful.
I particularly love capturing the temple with the dramatic views of the North Atlantic Coast in the backdrop.
This vista must be so magical at sunset with the sky changing colours.
Downhill Mansion
Directly opposite Mussenden Temple, you can take the gravel path to the ruins of Downhill Mansion.
It’s quite tragic to think of how grand this house used to be, it must have been spectacular in its heyday.
The leftover remains paint a pretty clear picture but there are signs on the ruins labelling the kitchens, grand hall, library, kitchen etc.
There is no roof but the building’s skeleton is huge. It used to be three storeys high with countless rooms for the family and their staff.
Some of the remains are gated off for safety but you can spend a lot of time walking around the property.
Although not as polished as Mussenden Temple, I still thought these ruins were lovely to capture.
Even more highlights
Your walk can conclude at Downhill House as it’s easy to return to the Lion’s Gate car park through a nearby kissing gate.
If you want to extend your walk, you can carry on to find other attractions around the demesne.
You can visit the Belvedere and the Downhill Mausoleum near Bishop’s Gate.
There’s also a Bog Garden, The Black Glen, Hezlett House and Lady Erne’s Seat to find.
Enjoy a drink from Al’s Coffee
After my chilly walk over the headland, I was desperately in need of a hot drink to warm up.
I was delighted to see that Lion’s Gate car park had Al’s Coffee, a van serving hot drinks and cakes.
It was espresso coffee which I was thankful for and I treated myself to a homemade Rocky Road. Both were delicious and the perfect tonic.
There are plenty of picnic benches by the walled garden to relax or have a packed lunch.
I was so happy that the sun came out on my visit in October and I relished feeling warm for once.
I can’t tell you how cold the Atlantic breeze gets over the coast, you feel it in your bones!
Is Mussenden Temple worth visiting?
Most definitely. Mussenden Temple is one of the most spectacular locations in Northern Ireland and one of my favourite walks.
This gorgeous historic building provides sweeping panoramic views over the North Atlantic Coast that are a delight to explore.
It’s not just the temple that makes this place worth visiting. Downhill Demesne is a lovely place for a stroll with oodles of history to uncover.
I first visited a couple of years ago and keep returning as it’s such a magical place. You won’t regret planning some time to visit.
Visit Downhill Beach next
After you visit Mussenden Temple on the cliffs, you must visit Downhill Beach below. It’s just down the road.
You can park right on the sand and in winter this is usually free. By the car park, you can see Mussenden Temple perched high on the clifftop.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you will love this location as you can see the beach where they filmed the Burning of the 7 Gods.
I recommend taking a walk down the strand to see the dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
On a sunny day, it’s breathtaking and the sea breeze will blow away the cobwebs which is always good for the soul.
Are you looking for more Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland?
There are plenty of Game of Thrones locations on the Causeway Coast.
After your visit to Dragonstone, you can make your way over to Pyke or Ballintoy Harbour which was part of the Iron Islands.
You can visit Larrybane Quarry or Renly Baratheon’s Camp near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Dunluce Castle featured as Castle Greyjoy but they did rework the ruins with the magic of CGI.
Don’t forget to pop by the Dark Hedges which was used for the Kingsroad in the first series.
If you’re heading south towards Belfast, I recommend stopping at Murlough Bay, and Fair Head where Jon Snow meets Daenerys’ Dragons.
Also, you can make a stop at Cushendun Caves where Melisandre has her shadow baby!
There is Carnlough Harbour where Arya lands in Braavos. Steenson’s Jewellers is nearby in Glenarm which made props & jewellery for the show.
You can then head to Carncastle to see where Ned Stark executed a deserter of the Night’s Watch.
Discover the Causeway Coast
As well as Game of Thrones filming locations, there are plenty of beautiful places to visit on the Causeway Coast.
There are so many places to choose but here are some of the top locations I recommend!
If you haven’t yet I would book tickets to cross over the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
This is another fabulous property protected by the National Trust and an exhilarating walk over an old fishing bridge to Carrick-a-Rede island.
Kinbane Castle is another one of my favourite places in this area as it’s a bit of a hidden gem.
It’s the ruins of a medieval castle built at the bottom of the cliffs on a white limestone headland.
Of course, no visit to Northern Ireland is complete without a stop at the Giant’s Causeway.
It’s a magical ancient place that has over 40,000 columns that lead into the Atlantic Ocean.
Read more of my Northern Ireland guides
How to visit the Garvagh Pyramid
Glenarm Barbican – Visit a fairytale castle in Antrim
How to visit Gleno Waterfall
Crown Liquor Saloon – Visit a Gin Palace in Belfast
Armagh Robinson Library – oldest public library in Northern Ireland
Discover Northern Ireland
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