27/01/2026
Tourism NI Unveils First Ever 'Signature Walk' At Downhill
Tourism Northern Ireland has announced the launch of the region's inaugural Signature Walk, located at the historic Downhill Demesne near Coleraine.
Developed through a partnership with the National Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the route is intended to be the first in a series of iconic walking trails across the country.
The 4.2-mile circular experience begins at Castlerock Train Station, encouraging sustainable travel by allowing visitors to leave their cars behind. The two-hour trek leads walkers across rugged headlands and along the north coast cliffs before reaching the Downhill Estate. Highlights of the route include the estate's gardens, ruins, and the famous Mussenden Temple, which sits on a 300ft cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The trail offers panoramic views that stretch west towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal, and east across Castlerock beach toward Portstewart, Portrush, and Fair Head. Recent data suggests that scenic walking is a primary motivator for tourism, with 48% of local visitors and 33% of those from the Republic of Ireland engaging in the activity during their stay.
Sheena Dickson, Landscapes & Activities Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to be involved in the launch of the Signature Walk and there cannot be a more picturesque and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate for the start of this exciting project. Developing these signature routes will help showcase some of our most special outdoor assets and tell the story of our iconic places by inviting our visitors to get their walking shoes on."
Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, added: "We are delighted to have the iconic walk from Castlerock to Downhill Demesne featured as part of Tourism NI's Signature Walks for 2026. With its iconic sea views and stunning scenery, this beautiful coastline walk is unrivalled for its beauty; and as Castlerock is served by both bus and train links, it offers walkers a chance to really enjoy the Castlerock area and beyond, leaving the car at home to connect with nature."
Developed through a partnership with the National Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the route is intended to be the first in a series of iconic walking trails across the country.
The 4.2-mile circular experience begins at Castlerock Train Station, encouraging sustainable travel by allowing visitors to leave their cars behind. The two-hour trek leads walkers across rugged headlands and along the north coast cliffs before reaching the Downhill Estate. Highlights of the route include the estate's gardens, ruins, and the famous Mussenden Temple, which sits on a 300ft cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Sheena Dickson, Landscapes & Activities Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is delighted to be involved in the launch of the Signature Walk and there cannot be a more picturesque and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate for the start of this exciting project. Developing these signature routes will help showcase some of our most special outdoor assets and tell the story of our iconic places by inviting our visitors to get their walking shoes on."
Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, added: "We are delighted to have the iconic walk from Castlerock to Downhill Demesne featured as part of Tourism NI's Signature Walks for 2026. With its iconic sea views and stunning scenery, this beautiful coastline walk is unrivalled for its beauty; and as Castlerock is served by both bus and train links, it offers walkers a chance to really enjoy the Castlerock area and beyond, leaving the car at home to connect with nature."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.