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.
Total steps: 4
Total steps: 4
Start point
Lion's Gate car park, Downhill
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
End point
Lion's Gate car park, Downhill
Trail map
Get in touch
Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP