Attractions on Northern Ireland's North Coast
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is an attractive folly, inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta, situated within the precincts of Downhill Castle on the cliff top. Perched on the top of a 120-foot cliff Mussenden Temple was also built by the Bishop of Derry as a summer library 1783. The architecture of Mussenden Temple was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. The bishop constructed the temple in honour of his married cousin, Frideswide Mussenden, with whom it is said he was infatuated by. However, dying at the age of 22, Frideswide Mussenden never lived to see the temple completed.
Underneath the building is a room that was used by Catholic priests to say mass. An opening in the floor is concealed by a trapdoor.
In the 200 years since its completion, the coast at Downhill has eroded by about 30 feet and in 1996 engineers declared that the building was in real danger of falling into the sea and being lost forever! It was decided that strengthening work should be carried out and several reinforced iron rods were inserted into the cliff to prevent further deterioration.
Both the Temple and the surrounding views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. The Temple is also available for wedding ceremonies through arangement with the National Trust. The surrounding grounds are open from dawn to dusk all year.
Contact the National Trust for opening hours of Mussenden Temple.
TEL/FAX: 028 2073 1582
EMAIL: downhillcastle@ntrust.org.uk
USEFUL LINKS
National Trust Properties in Northern Ireland
Beaches Near Mussenden Temple and Downhill
The Castlerock and Downhill Area
BBC Your Place and Mine Information on Mussenden Temple
National trust Information for Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demense