The build and destruction of Downhill House  The Earl Bishop is
largely regarded as being his own architect at Downhill. But it
was the Cork born Michael Shanahan who drew up most of the
building plans and was, for most of the time, his buildings
works superintendent.  The mason James McBlain executed all the
decorative carving and much of the subsequent building for the
Earl. Italian stuccadores were also employed, chief among whom
was Placido Columbani.  Downhill house architecture  A view back
into the past - Downhill Palace in 1803 © National Trust  A view
back into the past - Downhill Palace in 1803  Downhill is
characterised by a three storey front, facing south and with two
long wings at the back of this. Originally these wings
terminated in domes topped with ornamental chimney-pots. The
wings were continued in ranges of outbuildings, forming inner
and outer yards, and ending towards the sea in two immense
curving bastions of basalt.  The main house block was faced with
freestone from Dungiven quarries