Location: 12 Mussenden Road
Downhill, Coleraine
Northern Ireland BT 51 4RP
Downhill Hostel is located in the building known as Glenhassan Hall and it was built in the late Victorian period. It is situated in one of the most stunning locations in Northern Ireland overlooking the North
Coast’s longest beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It is backed by dramatic cliffs and bordered by a stream. The building has recently been updated but it retains
the original spirit and attractive character.
Downhill Hostel is located about two hours from Belfast, and forty-five minutes north
of L’Derry. Both trains and buses service the areas surrounding Downhill Hostel.
Directions:
-Coming from the East (Belfast Side)
follow the signs to Coleraine, then turn on
to the A2, with signs to Castlerock. As
you near Castlerock you will notice the
signs change to include Downhill
destinations. The hostel will be on your
right as you come to the ocean front.
-Coming from the South or the Republic
of Ireland (through L’derry) you will
follow the signs towards Limavady. After
Ballykelly, as you approach Limavady,
there will be a set of traffic lights at a
staggered crossroads. Take the left on
the B69 towards Downhill. This road
will link back into the A2, where you
should take a left and continue about
10 km.
-Coming from the Inishowen Peninsula,
take the ferry that runs from Greencastle
on the Inishowen Peninsula and
Magilligan Point at the western end of
the Benone Strand. This ferry is the
most direct way to access the Downhill
Hostel if you are coming from the
peninsula as it alleviates the former need
to drive down through L’Derry and back
up. As you are driving away from the
ferry on the Magilligan side, turn left at
the A2, following the signs for the Benone
Strand and Downhill. The hostel is
approximately 8 km from that junction
on your left.
Phone:
From within U.K. (028) 7084 9077
From within
Republic of Ireland (048) 7084 9077
International (+) 4428 7084 9077
Email: info@downhillhostel.com
Website: www.downhillhostel.com
Contact: William and McCall Gilfillan
Amenities:
-common room with original fireplace
-music and games
-reading area with lots of books and
magazines
-book exchange
-welcoming atmosphere
-spacious and clean accommodations
-fully-equipped kitchen with lots of
spices, tea, and coffee provided
-dining room with 16+ seating
-accommodation overlooks the ocean
-full-sized beds
-very comfortable small dormitories
and six private bedrooms
-hot water all day in sinks and private
showers
-gardens with picnic tables are great for
sunning or barbecues
-Internet access (pay as you go)
-historic building with unique character
and lovely decor
-laundry facilities are available
Prices for 2008:
dormitory from 11 pounds per bed
private room from 35 pounds per room
family room from 40 pounds per room
Things To Do:
-enjoy Benone Sand Beach bordering
the front garden of the hostel. It is the
longest beach in Ireland at 10 km
-enjoy walking
-enjoy surfing and windsurfing
-enjoy sailing
-enjoy sea angling
-visit Benone Tourist Complex with
tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course
-enjoy sand castle building
-rent full-body wetsuits and “boogie
boards” from the hostel
-explore Downhill Estate behind the
Downhill Hostel
-visit Binevenagh Heights Tower
-visit Mussenden Temple and Gardens
(five-minute walk)
-visit Black Glenn Gardens
-visit Giant’s Causeway (30 minutes)
-visit Dunluce Castle (30 minutes)
-visit Wishing Arch
-visit Bushmill’s Distillery (30 minutes)
-horseback riding is just up the road at the
Farm Riding Centre
-Downhill Hostel is home to a working
pottery.
-Hike Binevenagh Cliffs
-enjoy Downhill Forest with walking
paths that explore peaceful ponds and
waterfalls
-Ride the ferry to Greencastle on the
Inishowen Peninsula and visit the town
there or drive the short distance to
Malin Head’s incredible pebble or shell
beaches.
-visit Hezlett House - traditional Irish
thatched cottage maintained as a museum
-hike the beautiful north-facing cliffs of
Binevenagh just to the west of the hostel.
The hiking trails offer spectacular views
of the surrounding land and Lough Foyle.
-visit Wishing Arch (30 minutes away)
