Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Ballycopeland Windmill

Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS
a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background

Book Tickets Online

About

Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.

The interpretation of Ballycopeland windmill celebrates the complex as a unique historical asset and brings to life the fascinating stories of those who lived and worked in this last functional windmill in Northern Ireland.

The interpretation consists of various panels across the site which explore the history of Ballycopeland, the functions of the windmill, the stories of the millers who lived and made their livelihood at Ballycopeland and the efforts to preserve the windmill for future generations. These interpretive panels are complemented by a suite of delivery mechanisms to help bring these stories to life.

There are a number of physical interactives which allow visitors to discover the processes involved in milling grain and understand the forces at play within the windmill itself. 

There are also several audiovisual elements across the windmill site. These interventions included a scene-setting video and audio which bring visitors back in time to when the windmill was a working site (with talking silhouettes in the coal store and the authentic noise of the windmill in operation) and a touchscreen with an innovative 3D model of the windmill. These AV interventions allow visitors to explore the inner-workings of the windmill and appreciate the day-to-day realities of working at a windmill like Ballycopeland.

There is also a family-friendly activity guide that allows young visitors the chance to explore and engage with the interpretation. Working with an illustrator, we developed ‘Millie the Mouse’; a character that appeared around the site and pointed out things of interest for young people to engage and interact with.

A suite of directional signage ensures that visitors are confident in navigating the site. This will be supported by a visitor guide card offering a physical map and overview of the unique Ballycopeland windmill complex.

A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. 

Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs.

Please note: Online booking is essential.  A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .

Book Tickets

Facilities

Catering

  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Establishment Features

  • Prior Booking Required - Please book via https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com
  • Toilets

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free)

Guide Prices

Booking is essential. Please book via https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 44 reviews44 reviews

Add Ballycopeland Windmill to your Itinerary

Check availability for Ballycopeland Windmill (opens in a new window)

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing…

    1.22 miles away
  2. This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes…

    2.07 miles away
  3. The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a…

    4.2 miles away
  4. Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The…

    4.27 miles away
  5. The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the…

    4.33 miles away
  6. Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.

    As important as Bangor, Movilla was…

    4.74 miles away
  7. Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by…

    4.86 miles away
  8. The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of…

    4.98 miles away
  9. The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the…

    5.08 miles away
  10. Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and…

    5.32 miles away
  11. The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite…

    5.34 miles away
  12. A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    5.42 miles away
  13. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers,…

    5.43 miles away
  14. A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and…

    5.49 miles away
  15. At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black)…

    5.58 miles away
  16. At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was…

    5.6 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:On B172 from Newtownards, a mile west before Millisle.

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss