500 year old renewable energy

The story of stone-ground milling in Skerries can be traced to the early 16th century when the land belonged to the Priory of Holmpatrick: an Augustinian monastic foundation. The Small Windmill with its thatched conical roof dates back to 1525 and The Great Windmill dates to 1750. They were used for grinding wheat, oats, and barley using both wind power and water power. Before the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, it was reported that The Canons owned over 1000 acres of land here and counted the watermills among their possessions. The windmills have been a popular symbol for holiday posters and have been painted by famous artists including Alexander Williams and Harry Kernoff. The windmills are now a top educational tourist attraction where you can learn all about the history of milling.