Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Ireland

For the beauties of the earth, for the beauties of the sky . . . thank thee, Lord, for all these things.

We had a glorious adventure in this quiet place and found ourselves entirely alone most of the time as we explored across the vast expanse of green grass at the edge of the ocean.  This would have been a wonderful place to have lived!

Downhill began to assume its present form around 1772, when the Earl Bishop Fredrick Hervey (1730-1803) began an ambitious building project.  He chose this spectacular spot to build Downhill House and Mussenden Temple and although the house is now no more than a shell, the setting and surviving remains still reflect the romantic effect the Bishop set out to achieve.

A village by the sea in Ireland

Cute pony amongst the sheep

The sheep looking like they've been planted just like the trees (entrance to Downhill Demesne).  This was once the walled garden that provided food for entertainment and family.

This is the ice house, which  housed 100 pairs of doves in the top part.  In the lower ice part, meat, game, fish and poultry were stored.  Ice was also used for making cold drinks and frozen puddings.

All alone on the grassy path to the cliff over the sea.

It was sheer bliss . . .

. . . as you can see here with Elder Blain clicking his heels and getting some pretty good air in the process.  How many people do you know who can do this at age 76?

Elder Blain approaching the temple and holding on to his hat because of the wind.  The Bishop's coat of arms is over the door.

Notice in this information that a James McBlain and his son, David, did the carving of the basic structure and decorative work.

A look out the window.  I would like a home with a view like this.

The main house is a distance from the temple.

A last peek over the cliff at the ocean.  I wanted to walk this beach but couldn't find a safe way down.

The back door into the house.

Inside passage way of Downhill Demesne.  What should we name our house?  So many places in the UK have names . . .

The Bishop did indeed like circles and curves

Looking towards the front door

The entry to the estate

A view from the Downhill Demesne ruins of what may have been the gardener's cottage beside the walled garden.  Someone lives there currently.

The things this window may have seen in them thar days . .