Ballycopeland Windmill

Places to See | Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

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Ballycopeland Windmill is a 4-storey tower mill with a boat-shaped cap and is the only remaining working windmill in East County Down. Open to the public during July & August only, 10.00-17.00 daily.

Admission is free but we advise telephoning in advance of visit.

This historical visitor attraction was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and worked until the First World War after which it gradually fell into disrepair. Now restored to full working order the plastered and white-washed tapering tower is a landmark in the area.

A tower mill consists of a brick or stone tower with a roof or cap that can turn the sails into the wind. The advantage of the tower mill was that the sails could turn into the wind while the main structure itself was static. This arrangement allowed for better productivity and efficiency.

The mill has three storeys – a ‘drive’ floor, ‘stone’ floor and ‘hopper’ floor, from the first to third level respectively. Inside the mill is well maintained and as much as possible has been restored to look as it would have been in its heyday.

The Miller’s house beside next to the windmill has been converted into a small visitor centre and features include an electrically operated model of the mill and hands-on experience of milling.

As the last remaining windmill of more than hundred mills in the area Ballycopeland Windmill makes for an interesting and informative place to visit in County Down.

Address: Ballycopeland Windmill, Windmill Road, Millisle, Co. Down BT22 2D

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