Best attractions and places to see around Mullanhead include a collection of historical sites and scenic coastal features. This region offers a blend of ancient ruins, architectural follies, and expansive beaches. Visitors can explore significant landmarks that provide insights into local history and enjoy views of the coastline. The area is characterized by its unique blend of natural beauty and historical remnants.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Once a grand, Italian-inspired home, Downhill House was devastated by fire in May 1851 and almost completely burned down.
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It was a library, a retreat, a memorial to a somewhat scandalous love story and now it is one of the most popular and photographed buildings in Ireland.
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The house you see was built in the 18th century A tremendous fire destroyed the house in 1851, and the library, along with numerous important sculptures and paintings, was lost. The house remained in the Bishop's family until 1948.
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Built as a library for an eccentric bishop, this dramatic folly atop a cliff is one of Ireland's most popular landmarks.
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In the surroundings of Downhill House, at one end of the walled garden, you will find this old ice house. Here, meat and ice were stored to keep food in good condition.
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West Strand Promenade is a wonderful attraction located along the famous Causeway Coast. You can enjoy picturesque surroundings along with a number cafés, restaurants, and shops
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East Strand Beach is famous for its beautiful golden sands, extensive dune systems, and wonderful views over The Skerries and Causeway headlands. From this point, you can access the beach from the footpath. Chuck your shoes in your bag and enjoy some barefoot walking along the sand, or pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy the views.
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Keeping doves was common practice on estates. The birds had many uses. The down and feathers were used to fill pillows and the dung was not only a highly rated fertilizer it was also used in the tanning industry and in the manufacture of gunpowder. However it was for their flesh and eggs, particularly in winter when meat was scarce, that they were particularly valued.
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The region around Mullanhead is rich in history. You can visit the dramatic cliff-edge Mussenden Temple, the intriguing Downhill House Ruins, and the nearby Downhill Demesne Dovecote and Ice House. These sites offer a glimpse into the 18th-century estate life and architectural follies of the area.
Yes, several attractions around Mullanhead are suitable for families. East Strand Beach is perfect for a day out with its golden sands and dune systems. The West Strand Promenade also offers a pleasant walk with amenities, and the historical sites like Mussenden Temple are generally accessible for families to explore.
Mullanhead boasts stunning coastal scenery. You can enjoy the beautiful golden sands and views over The Skerries and Causeway headlands from East Strand Beach. The Mussenden Temple itself offers picturesque views from its cliff-top perch, overlooking the dramatic coastline.
The Mullanhead area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Portstewart Promenade – View of Portrush Harbour loop' or the 'Causeway Coast Cycle Route: Coleraine to Bushmills Loop'. There are also running trails, such as the 'Somerset Forest loop from Coleraine'. For more details on routes, check the Cycling around Mullanhead, Road Cycling Routes around Mullanhead, and Running Trails around Mullanhead guides.
Yes, there are easy cycling routes available. For instance, the 'View of Portrush Harbour – Portstewart Promenade loop from Portstewart' is an easy 15.6 km cycling route. Another easy option is the 'Portstewart Promenade – West Strand Promenade loop from Portstewart' at 13.3 km. You can find more easy routes in the Cycling around Mullanhead guide.
Visitors particularly appreciate the picturesque settings and historical significance. The Mussenden Temple is often described as a 'dramatic folly' and a 'picturesque place' due to its cliff-edge location. The Downhill House Ruins are noted for their mystical atmosphere, and the beaches are loved for their 'beautiful golden sands' and 'wonderful views'.
Yes, the West Strand Promenade is a great spot for this, offering a number of cafés, restaurants, and shops where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings after exploring the coast.
Downhill House was an 18th-century mansion, largely destroyed by fire in 1851. It was once a grand, Italian-inspired home. Nearby, the Downhill Demesne Dovecote and Ice House were essential parts of the estate, used for storing food and housing doves, reflecting common practices of the era.
Absolutely. East Strand Beach offers extensive golden sands perfect for barefoot walking. Additionally, the West Strand Promenade provides a scenic path along the coast, ideal for a leisurely stroll with beautiful views.
While the Mullanhead area can be enjoyed year-round, the spring and summer months (May to September) generally offer milder weather, making them ideal for cycling, running, and exploring the coastal attractions and historical sites. However, the dramatic coastal scenery can be particularly striking during the autumn and winter, though you should be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter conditions.
Yes, the 'Binevenagh loop from Coleraine' is a challenging 61.3 km cycling route that offers a significant distance for experienced cyclists. For road cycling, the 'Sea Shed Coffee & Fruit – Mussenden Temple loop from Coleraine' covers 60.2 km. These routes provide opportunities for longer excursions in the region. More details can be found in the Cycling around Mullanhead and Road Cycling Routes around Mullanhead guides.


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