The beautiful and iconic Mussenden Temple which sits perched on the cliff edge overlooking Downhill Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. This blesses it with spectacular views along the coast, but placed it at the mercy of the sea's powerful forces. Today it is just a few feet from the cliff's edge, but important conservation work by The National Trust means that the temple is secure for the time being.
It was created by the eccentric Earl Bishop, Frederick Hervey, this summer library by the sea was inspired by Rome's 'Temple of Vesta' and built in honour of Mrs Frideswide Mussenden - a great beauty of her day.