High above Castlerock are the ruins of Downhill House, a fabulous Northern Irish manor house in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Magnificent, it was built in the 1770s for Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol and Lord Bishop of Derry. It faces the ocean and overlooks Mussenden Temple, another ultra-popular site in the region. A must-see, if only to savour the charm of its typical ruins!
The Mussenden Temple – Kent Wang – cc
Downwhill House was once a magnificent manor house. Built on the Northern Irish cliffs by architect Michael Shanahan, the building was so imposing, it would have cost over £80,000. A colossal figure for the time!
It has to be said that the edifice was built in excess. Its floor area made it one of the largest mansions in Ulster. And its neo-classical style, with its imposing sculptures and frescoes, has always divided the population, even to this day.
More than a manor house, it was above all the symbol of Frederick Hervey’s power. Known for his wealth, he was also an avowed art lover.
So much so, in fact, that the manor house boasted an incredible collection of works: Correggio, Dürer, Murillo, Rubens and Tintoretto… There, the greatest artists of the time were exhibited…
Unfortunately, many of these works were lost in a terrible fire in 1851. A real tragedy at the time.
However, Downhill House was rebuilt in the 1870s… only to fall into ruin just after the Second World War.
Nevertheless, the manor has lost none of its beauty today. Its ruins even lend it a tragic beauty: add to that the proximity of the ocean, and the charm of the cliffs… and you’ve got a good idea of what’s in store!
The result is a dilapidated mansion that looks magnificent, but quite different from what it once was.
Now owned by the National Trust, the site is open to visitors (there’s a £5 entrance fee for parking).
The site is dotted with information panels to help you understand the manor’s history. You’ll discover the ruins of the house, an ancient dovecote, walled gardens, a belvedere, a summer house and the sublime Mussenden Temple, once a library belonging to the manor. Its location overlooks Downhill Beach. A magical, breathtaking place!
Afterwards, don’t hesitate to take a stroll in the surrounding area: the cliffs are well worth a stroll, and on a clear day you’ll be glad to get a breath of fresh air!
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