Mussenden Temple near Castlerock in Co Derry
Daredevils visiting Mussendem Temple near Castlerock have been spotted by others on Downhill Beach beneath the National Trust site climbing over the wall which protects visitors from the steep 120 foot cliff on one side of the temple.
But some have decided to ignore the obvious danger posed by the cliff – and even climb around the outside of the temple for the sake of photographs and videos for social media.
There are fears it could prompt copycat behaviour for TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
It’s prompted concern from locals in the area, including East Derry MLA Claire Sugden.
“Mussenden Temple and the surrounding grounds are stunningly beautiful and people are always looking to get the best photos they can to remember their visit,” Ms Sugden said.
“But the risks seemingly being taken by some people cannot be justified simply in the name of taking a photograph,” she said.
“The cliffs there are enormous and any fall would almost certainly prove fatal.
“I would urge anyone visiting to appreciate the risks involved and please stay safe by keeping on the right side of the wall,” she said.
The National Trust oversees the beautiful area surrounding Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, known for its cliffside walking trail.
But a NT spokesperson said the estate and the grounds surrounding do pose certain risks.
“We urge visitors to act responsibly when visiting Mussenden Temple and stay away from the cliff edge,” they said.
“The wall should not be climbed across as the cliffs are unstable in places, which people may be unaware of from the top.
“We want people to enjoy access to this special place, but to do so safely.”
In March, Coleraine Coastguard made an appeal to visitors to the temple after a radio station shared a photo showing a young person sitting at the edge of the cliff – without showing they had climbed over a protective wall to take the photograph.
“No photo is worth risking your life for and we urge members of the public not to copy this,” said a spokesperson.
Over the years the erosion of the cliff face at Downhill had brought Mussenden Temple ever closer to the edge.
In 1997, the National Trust carried out cliff stabilisation work to prevent the loss of the building which was built in 1785.
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