mussenden temple

It was well worth making that wee dander over the cliffs in January to see the temple even if it was closed, the outside gates were open so I could walk straight up to it anyways. I was even lucky enough to get several hours of sunshine! The views from that place are simply breathtaking, be it over the sea or the meadows or the village, it is absolutely to die for. I love this place!

Downhill Desmene and Mussenden Temple have a stunning backdrop. Beautiful on a winters day with lots of grazing sheep all around. Just perfect for a bracing walk over the fields and close to the sea with Downhill beach literally just down below.. Good sturdy footwear required though. Next time we will visit in summer to experience a lovely summer breeze!

We visited this, as part of a walk. It is a wonderful building, and even though it was slightly cloudy the sight was amazing.

I enjoyed his place. The temple is a pretty building and the fact that it is on the very edge of a seaside cliff makes it even more beautiful. The view of the beach below is very pretty. There are two different car parks. I parked at the Lions Gate car park and walked to the temple first and then back past the other building in the middle of the field. It's too bad that the other building in the middle of the field has not been restored. The parking was free and the temple and area was as well. This stop was definitely worth my time.

Easy to go from Belfast by train to Castlerock (county Derry). It is one hour and 40 minutes. You need to take the time for that. From Castlerock it is 25 minutes walk to Mussenden Temple. You can follow a path. It is a bit muddy, especially in the time I was there (wintertime). Once there you see a fascinating building and you have a great view over the Atlantic Ocean and Cliffs. Bring your camera as it is one of most photographed places in Ireland! You can experience this yourself! Castlerock itself is a small place but it has a great beach. Mussenden Temple is owned by National Trust. It is created by Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol who was the Bishop of Derry in the 1780's. It is built as a library and modelled from the Temple of Vesta in Italy.

Having seen a BBC documentary about Mussenden Temple and Downhill several years ago, we had been planning a Causeway Coast and Glens trip mainly to see this stunning site, and we were not disappointed. It has a magical aura and the beach below, with the railway cutting through the rock, is an amazing sight. We were lucky enough to arrive just as the Antrim Community Choir was setting up for a concert, and were treated to a wonderful performance of songs such as 'Don't Fence Me In' and 'Lean on Me' - very emotional and a real celebration of people coming together. The National Trust entrance fee is for Downhill House, Mussenden Temple and Hazlett House, and it is fantastic value at only around £5 each. I could spend hours here and plan to return again and again. Simply magical.

This small circular building, can be found on the cliffs, on the coast road from Derry to Coleraine. It was built as a library, and modelled on an Italian one. It is dedicated to Frideswide Mussenden, hence the name. Entrance is through Lions Gate or Bishops Gate of Downhill Demense, where you can park, and walk over to it. However be careful with your footing, as there are sheep loose on the grounds, and your shoes can get pretty messy! I went early on a Sunday morning, so there was no admission fee, but the temple was shut. There are great views, so bring your camera.

This is a truly beautiful place, a walk with the wind usually coming off the sea, or even dressed for the weather watching and listening to the waves break below, it won't disappoint. Get a nice clear day and the views are unreal. Of all the stately homes/castles/estates it had probably the best view and such a shame that after the war (2nd) it was allowed to fall into disrepair. The Temple, the only part of the estate to be preserved is beautiful both architecturally and for its story. Slowly the cliffs are wearing away as not that many decades ago you might have walked around it. Don't try it now and be aware that for such an outstanding view it needs to be 'very high up'. Not to be missed on a tour round the north coast, quiet and magical.

Definitely, a must see if you're in the north. We visited in 2005, so some things might have changed. But our fondness of the place remains.We had a rental car so access was easy. Parked near the gardener's cottage and gate, very pretty. It's sort of a side entrance.We wandered, not knowing what to expect, through the garden and grounds, then climbed the hill towards the open fields and manor ruins. Sheep were bleating and grazing all around. Then we saw the grand ruins. The sheer size was so majestic! Read the plaque's sad history of the estate; fire, RAF airbase, long term vacancy. Walked through the various ages of the manor, it really was quite creepy, unnerving. Not sure exactly why? Was a beautiful windy, sunny day.The Temple Library was stunning! Views, architecture and distance from the manor! A must see.Then traversed over to the mausoleum, about the same distance as the Temple is from the back of the manor, but from the front. The manor vegetable garden and such, were interesting as well.The size of the place is amazing and the house on the top of the hill, from all sides, is impressive. We love visiting ruins!Highly recommend visiting this attraction.

The temple and surrounding areas are straight out of a blockbuster but this is real. The beach is stunning and the whole area is peaceful and will steal your heart when you arrive. Beauty itself

Fantastic site.... lovely architecture, stunning views, space to relax, great walks and gardens.... and so close to the amazing beaches down below the cliffs and close to the other sites to see along the north coast

A long walk but well worth it. The view can't be beat even if it tends to be a little breezy. Note the train tracks below the site.

We visited this attraction on a lovely sunny day and the views really were spectacular from the temple. It overlooks the beautiful Downhill beach, and we were able to look across as far as Donegal. Nothing really inside the temple, it really is all about the views. Nice walk as far around the grounds. Definitely worth doing on a nice day.

Visit when the weather is favorable, particularly with low winds - perhaps not that often!wonderful location, try and visit when they have harpists playing in the temple, most Sundays in Summer - fabulous.

Mussenden Temple is a quaint building with an interesting history. For those visitors who are used to the standard of NT attractions on the mainland this one may disappoint. Nevertheless on a good day it is worth the walk (which is quite short). The view over Downhill beach is quite stunning. RM