Ballycopeland Windmill is a functioning windmill located one mile west of Millisle, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is managed by the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities and is open to the public.[1] It is known in Irish as Muileann gaoithe Bhaile Chóplainn and in Ulster-Scots as Ballycopelann Wun-mäll.[2] The windmill is just one part of the fully restored heritage attraction which opened in May 2022.
Ballycopeland Windmill | |
---|---|
Origin | |
Mill location | Millisle, County Down |
Coordinates | 54°36′29″N 5°33′24″W / 54.60806°N 5.55667°W |
Operator(s) | Department for Communities |
Information | |
Purpose | Corn mill |
Type | Tower mill |
Storeys | Four storeys |
No. of sails | Four |
Type of sails | Roller reefing sails |
Winding | Fantail |
Fantail blades | Eight |
Features
editThe visitor centre at the miller's house features an electrically operated model of the mill and hands-on experience of milling. There is also a restored corn-drying kiln.[3]
History
editThe plastered and white-washed tapering tower is a landmark in that area and the last remaining windmill of more than hundred mills in County Down.[4] It was owned by the McGilton family and the mill ground grain until 1915. In 1935 it was acquired by the government of Northern Ireland.[5] Disused for many decades, in 1978, the old windmill was restored to working order again.
References
edit- ^ "Ballycopeland Windmill". Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Retrieved 22 December 2008.
- ^ Ballycopelann Wun-mäll – Department of the Environment
- ^ "Ballycopeland Windmill". Discover Northern Ireland. Retrieved 22 December 2008.
- ^ "Ballycopeland Windmill". Emerald Tiger. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 22 December 2008.
- ^ "Ballycopeland Windmill". Geograph. Retrieved 22 December 2008.