downhill and mussenden temple

Downhill

The landscaped estate, gardens and buildings at Downhill near Castlerock reflect the vivid personality of their creator - the flamboyant Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey.

The house which was designed by Michael Shanahan was one of the most renowned in Ireland and it contained treasures from throughout Europe. It suffered a disastrous fire in 1851 which destroyed most of the contents. It was rebuilt and lived in until shortly after World War 2 when the roof was taken off and it is now in ruins. However its setting and architecture give more than a hint of its former glory.

Hervey also spent a vast fortune on the grounds. He erected a Mausoluem in 1778 dedicated to the memory of his brother, the 2nd Earl, the top of which fell during a storm in 1839. He also built the Lion Gate which stands beside the remains of a double walled garden with dovecot and ice house still intact.

Perched on the edge of the cliffs is the most spectacular of the buildings, the Mussenden Temple.