Downhill Demesne

Without realising, we drove past the place for the temple. However, slightly further on we discovered another gem. Just inside the entrance, there was a garden with all sorts of beautiful flowers.

We noticed that if you carried on past the garden there was a path to take a nice walk along. So we followed the path and enjoyed more beautiful flowers and trees.

Northern Ireland

Downhill Strand Beach

Our intention was to see the Mussenden Temple someone at the hotel recommended to us. But on our way, we discovered this absolute gem. We recommend you come to this beach for it's nice idyllic views.

We almost drove through the arch until we realised this took us unto the sands. Although some cars were on the beach, we decided to play it safe. So we went back and parked in the car park close by.

Day 3

What was good is there were toilets there. So no need to walk crossed legged. We also noticed a little cafe across the road, so we decided to go there after we'd been on the beach.

The beach looked amazing. It was like something you see on one of those holiday postcards.

On top of the cliff above us there was the Mussenden Temple, we originally came to see. Lower down, we noticed a railway line. We discovered later that you can get a train all around the Northern Ireland coast. This was the line it ran on.

Being both keen amateur photographers, we got our phones out and started taking photos. We were on a frenzy. Photo after photo we took until we decided we got everything.

You just have to come and see this beach.

Next, we went back to the cafe we saw across the road for a drink. Debbie had her favourite hot chocolate and a nice cake.

It was a small but nice place. The owner (I guess) was very friendly too. We sat and thought how to get closer to the Mussenden Temple. We decided we should find it if we drove up the hill.

Further on, we wondered if you could continue to walk up to the temple we originally came for. However, Debbie said it would be too far for her.

The Mussenden Temple

So we turned back and took the car back up to where the entrance to the temple was.

Surprise! It was looked after by the National Trust. We drove through the gate to find a spacious car park. We also noticed a nice coffee and drinks area called, Al's Cafe.

We saw a parking meter near the cafe. However, you can scan your NT card to get free parking.

We had trouble getting it to scan our card so went asked the man in the cafe. He came over and helped. He said many people have had the same problem with their cards.

We wanted a drink so ordered a hot chocolate and coffee. Afterwards, we decided to make our way to the temple.

After asking someone, we took the path to our left. As we walked along, we noticed there were also toilets available. Handy for your convenience (pun intended).

Soon after, we saw the Mussenden Temple ahead of us. As we got closer, we looked to our right and saw a large ruin. Looked like it had been a large house, which in fact it was. We would explore that next.

The temple looked impressive. We were told that it's beautiful inside too and something we should definitely see. Sadly, it was locked this day. Groan! So we took a few photos of the outside.

I remembered the beautiful beach we had been on earlier was down below the temple. So I walked to the left side of the temple and sure enough there it was. A beautiful sight. So I took a photo.

Next, we walked back up toward the ruin at the top of the hill, taking photos on the way. We found out a bit of information about it's history. It is a large house called, Downhill House and was originally built in the 1770s. It was eventually abandoned just after the second world war and fell into disrepair.

Finally, we wandered back to Al's cafe for more refreshment. While we were sitting, someone walked up to the parking machine and was having trouble scanning his NT card. So remembering the help we had, I went over and helped him. The trick is to hold the card at a diagonal angle with the QR code at the bottom end. I like to help people.

Day 4