Whether you’re a fan of golf or not, you might know that this year The Open has returned to Northern Ireland and the town of Portrush on our north coast for the first time in 68 years. If you’ve seen any of the coverage on TV, you may have caught a glimpse of our beautiful coastline. And in the spirit of shining a light on this place we call home, I thought I’d share some scenes from a recent trip to Downhill Demesne.
A few facts
Situated to the west of Portrush and about a 25 minute drive, Downhill Demesne is home to both the sprawling ruins of Downhill House and the spectacular Mussenden Temple. Both were built in the 18th century as part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol. The estate lies on a wide open field overlooking the golden beaches below. And even on a cloudy day in June, we couldn’t fail to be swept away by the beauty of the place.
The walk to the big house
Now under the careful ownership of the National Trust, you can approach Downhill House along paths mown through the grass. The grass has been left to grow long and wild for the pollinators. From a distance, you can see the structure looming large on the horizon.
And, as you walk through the meadow of buttercups and up the hill, the house finally comes into full view …
Sadly, the house was entirely gutted by a fire which broke out in 1851. But you can wander around the glorious ruins, imagining what life was like for an 18th century earl. You can also admire the beautiful views through the large, empty windows to the countryside beyond.
Mussenden Temple
From Dowhill House, you can then follow the path that leads down to Mussenden Temple. It was built as a summer library for the Earl and was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome.
Perched dramatically on a 120ft cliff top, the Temple offers spectacular views of the stunning coastline to the east and west. Over the years, the Temple was in danger of being lost to the sea due to cliff erosion. In 1997, however, the National Trust carried out work to stabilise the cliff and thankfully, we can all still enjoy the spectacular setting.
Once you walk up the steps and enter the Temple, you begin to understand why this is one of the most photographed parts of the country. Personally, I can’t think of a better location for a summer library !
Views from inside Mussenden Temple
The view from Mussenden Temple
The view from Mussenden Temple
The walk back
After lingering at the Temple for some time, we followed the trail back round Downhill Demesne. All the while, we took in the clifftop views over the railway track below. And we stopped to admire the many wildflowers.
And finishing with coffee
Then, after a while, we returned to our starting point, our faces flush with the sea air. It was time for a sit down and a coffee at Al’s coffee bar which is beside the car park.
All in all, we really enjoyed our time at Downhill Demesne. Its a truly beautiful setting with lots to see and explore. As I mentioned previously, the estate is now managed by the National Trust. You can visit their website here for more information on opening times, admission prices and other sites to visit within the Demesne.
Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely Sunday,
Paula
Useful Links
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I love such architectural ruins. They carry the essence of the past, and they linger in present like an old, incomplete story.
I visited one such place in India. It’s called Hampi. Here is the link in case you are interested.
https://2littlemoments.wordpress.com/2019/03/10/5-reasons-to-never-say-no-to-the-hampi-plan/
What a wonderful place to explore and some gorgeous views of the beach, love the railway tunnel through the cliff and the grand old ruins. X
Such a beautiful place. I can only imagine how spectacular the property was before the fire. I bet much time was spent in the summer library by the sea.
Yes who wouldn’t want to have that library !!!
What a glorious and dramatic setting! Ruins are often so enigmatic and these look wonderful: lonely and majestic. It must have been hard to concentrate on the books with that view outside the windows back in the day! I am intrigued by the railway line – is it still in use?
I know…I wouldn’t get much reading done either ! And yes the railway line is still in use.
Great post 🙂
Oh thank you very much 🙂🙂
Looks a wonderful place to explore. Those ruins look very dramatic somehow , and wow that summer library with its amazing views. A lovely day out. X
Oh thank you..yes it was one of the best days out we’ve had this year 🙂
I love places like this. The views from the temple are spectacular. I bet it would look neat to see a train pass through while watching from above the tracks.
Yes the views are amazing…no matter how many times you see them !
What an interesting place. I love the ruins and the temple and the railway through the cliffs. I’ll bet it’s a very atmospheric place.
Yes very atmospheric…really captures the imagination too 🙂
Wow, what a beautiful place!
Thank you…it is gorgeous 🙂