Newmills Corn and Flax Mills

NewmillsCorn AndFlax Mills

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills is a historic watermill complex located in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. The site is notable for its well-preserved industrial heritage and is a popular tourist attraction.

History

The Newmills Corn and Flax Mills date back to the early 19th century. The mills were originally constructed to process corn and flax, two important agricultural products in the region. The complex includes a corn mill, a flax mill, and associated buildings and machinery.

Corn Mill

The corn mill at Newmills is powered by a large waterwheel that drives the millstones used to grind corn into flour. The waterwheel is fed by the River Swilly, which provides a reliable source of water throughout the year. The millstones are made of locally sourced stone and are an example of traditional milling technology.

Flax Mill

The flax mill was used to process flax into linen, a valuable textile. The process involved several stages, including retting, scutching, and spinning. The machinery in the flax mill is powered by a smaller waterwheel, which is also fed by the River Swilly. The flax mill played a crucial role in the local economy, providing employment and supporting the linen industry.

Restoration and Preservation

In the late 20th century, the Newmills Corn and Flax Mills were restored by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The restoration project aimed to preserve the historic machinery and buildings, and to create an educational resource for visitors. Today, the site is open to the public and offers guided tours, demonstrations, and educational programs.

Visitor Information

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills are open to visitors from April to September. The site features a visitor center with exhibits on the history of the mills and the milling process. There are also picnic areas and walking trails along the River Swilly.

See also

• Watermill
• Flax
• Linen
• River Swilly
• Office of Public Works