In Skerries, a small coastal town 30 km north of Dublin City, there are two windmills and a watermill – a unique collection of mills and one of Ireland’s foremost industrial heritage centres.

The story of stone-ground milling in Skerries can be traced to the early 16th century when the lands belonged to the Priory of Holmpatrick, an Augustinian monastic foundation.

Milling continued in Skerries until the early years of the 20th century and a bakery which existed by 1840, was producing breads and confectionery until the mid 1980’s.

Following a ten year restoration project undertaken by the County Council, F.Á.S. and the local community, the centre is open to the public throughout the year. The mills with associated mill pond, mill races and wet lands are now a focal point for Skerries Town Park and the site commands wonderful views of the coast and off-shore islands.

Visitors begin their guided tour of the site in the four-storey watermill building; they can try their skills at grinding; observe the waterwheel at work and walk through the corn field to visit one of the windmills. The watermill also houses a café, craft shop and exhibition space which can be accessed independently.