Downhill Beach in County Antrim is an 11km stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out.

Downhill is an area of scientific interest and is also a special area of conservation offering opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland. The temple offers breathtaking views of the North Coast and dramatic 18th century ruins waiting to be explored.

This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry. The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and excellent rail and transport links to Coleraine, Belfast and Dublin. Other nearby destinations includes the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart.

Mussenden Temple's spectacular cliff top views
Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. It perches dramatically on a 120 ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal and to the east Castlerock beach towards Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head.

History of Mussenden Temple

The temple was built in 1785 and forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol (or the Earl Bishop). The temple was built as a summer library and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. It is dedicated to the memory of Hervey's cousin Frideswide Mussenden.

Both the Temple and the surrounding views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Over the years the Temple itself was under danger of being lost to the sea due to the erosion of the cliff which brought Mussenden Temple ever closer to the edge. In 1997 the National Trust then carried out cliff stabilisation work to prevent the loss of this lovely building.

Snacks, coffee shop (summer), practise range (summer), tennis, bowls and a putting green. Visitors welcome any day.

• Weekdays: Adult £5.25 Junior £2.90, 
• Weekend: Adult £6.00 Junior STG4.00,

• Adult STG0.80 Junior STG0.70

Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area.

With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including picnic spots, watersports, and fishing.

The clean, firm, golden sands of Benone Strand are without rocks, shingle or seaweed and are preceded by the glorious natural formations of Benone's sand dunes.

With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.
 
Lifeguard service on duty daily in July and August 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Zoned activity areas for swimming, jet skis, dogs etc.
Benone Tourist Complex nearby.