Built by the Earl Bishop of Derry in the 1770s, the ruins of Downhill Castle and the remarkably well preserved Mussenden Temple dramatically overlook Benone Beach and provide enchanting views north to the Atlantic and west over Lough Foyle to Donegal.

Gutted by fire in the 1800's, the mansion house is now an interesting ruin and well worth a visit as part of a trip to see Mussenden Temple, which was originally built as a library in 1785 and now perches perilously on the cliff's edge. The temple itself obtained a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies in 2007.

While you're there make sure to check out one of Northern Ireland's oldest surviving buildings, the rural 17th-century cottage of Hezlett House.

Downhill Demense, Hezlett House and Mussenden Temple are now managed by the National Trust.
Tel: 00 44 28 7084 8728
Email: downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk.
107 Sea Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry BT51 4TW