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Historic building · Bushmills, Irlanda do Norte
Mussenden Temple
The circular temple from 1785 on the edge of a cliff above Downhill beach, inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, built as a library by the Bishop of Derry. Managed by the National Trust.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mussenden Temple
The Mussenden Temple is a small circular temple, with columns and a dome, built in 1785 on the edge of a cliff above the sea, at the western end of the Antrim coast, about 30 km from Bushmills. It was part of the Downhill estate of Frederick Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol, who used it as a library and dedicated it to the memory of a cousin, Frideswide Mussenden. The design is inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome.
The temple sits in the Downhill Demesne, a National Trust property that includes the ruins of Downhill House, destroyed by fire and abandoned in the 20th century, a walled garden, a mausoleum and the bishop's gate. From the cliff edge you can see Downhill beach, one of the longest in Northern Ireland at about 11 km, crossed by the Derry–Coleraine railway line, and beyond that Lough Foyle and the coast of Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.
Erosion of the cliff has brought the temple increasingly close to the edge, and the National Trust has carried out stabilization works. The temple appeared in Game of Thrones as the setting for Dragonstone.
The interior is usually open at limited times; the property and gardens charge an entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour for the temple, the ruins and the walled garden.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the sunset over Downhill beach and Lough Foyle. On very windy days the cliff edge can be uncomfortable. Check opening times on the National Trust website.
How to get there
It's on the A2 road, near Castlerock, about 30 km from Bushmills and 8 km from Coleraine. Castlerock train station is about 1.5 km away. There is parking at the property entrance.
Tip
After the temple, go down to Downhill beach, where you can walk on the packed sand, and watch the train pass between the cliff and the sea.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mussenden Temple
What is the Mussenden Temple?
A circular temple from 1785 used as a library by the Bishop of Derry, on the edge of a cliff above Downhill beach.
Can you enter the temple?
It is usually open at limited times. Check the National Trust website.
Is it far from Calçada dos Gigantes?
About 30 km, around a 35-minute drive.