Skerries Mills

Overview

On the Dublin Coastal Trail, Skerries, with its beautiful beaches and harbour area, is home to three national monuments within the Skerries Mills Heritage Museum lands.

The great five sail windmill capturing views of coastal landmarks, is testament to wind power and human engineering. The four sail windmill stands on the site of an ancient fort. Climb up this thatch dome mill, which dates from the 16th century and the closure of the monasteries in Ireland, for an inspirational view of industrial heritage. Guided tours are available daily of this hidden gem.

Visitors begin their guided tour of the site in the four storey watermill building, where they can try their hand at grinding and observe the waterwheel at work. After, enjoy a walk through the cornfield and a tour of two very different sail mills.

The last tour takes place one hour before closing time. Visitors can avail of free parking and literature is available in Irish, French, German, Italian and Spanish. The café and gallery can be accessed independently.

Skerries Mills is operated as Not for Profit Social Enterprise.

Skerries Mills is a unique collection of two windmills and a watermill with associated mill pond, mill races, wetlands and is an ideal place to visit on a day trip.

The Mill complex also houses the Watermill Café and the Craft Shop.Since the 12th-century flour has been milled at this unique location. The fully restored complex brings to life the authentic workings of a five sail windmill, four sail windmill, water mill and bakery of the 1800s. This provides the visitor with examples of how wind and water energies were harnessed by our ancestors.

There are views of the town as well as the islands off Skerries and the coastline as far as the Mourne Mountains. Later – enjoy a relaxed refreshment in the Watermill Cafe where we bake daily and have a wide variety of hot and cold food available or browse in our award-winning craft shop for that souvenir or special gift. We are stockists of high-quality Irish made crafts and giftware.

Guided tours are available daily and last approximately 50 minutes. During your tour, you will be accompanied by a guide who will show you the history of milling and Skerries Mills. Try your hand at stone grinding flour, then see the water wheel in action turning the sheaves, shakers, and blowers inside the mill. Take a walk across the crop field and go up inside the four sail windmill then onto the five sail Great Windmill of Skerries which dominates the local skyline.

There are view of the town as well as the islands off Skerries and the coastline as far as the Mourne Mountains. Later – enjoy a relaxed refreshment in the Watermill Cafe where we bake daily and have a wide variety of hot and cold food available or browse in our award winning craft shop for that souvenir or special gift. We are stockists of high quality Irish made crafts and giftware.

Skerries Mills is open all year except 24th to 27th December and 31st December to 1st January inclusive. Check website for opening times.

Opening hours

Open all year except the 17th of March, (St Patrick’s Day) and 6 days over Christmas, which are from 24th to 27th December and 31st December to 1st January inclusive.

Spring/Summer Opening Times (from 1st April to 31th September): 10am – 5.30pm. Last Tour 4.30pm

Autumn/Winter Opening Times (from 1st October to 31st March): 10am – 4.30pm. Last Tour 3.30pm