About
Leitir Corn Mill
Siúil thart linn; Beidh gach turas bunaithe ar mhionchur síos ar innealra an mhuilinn agus ar an dóigh ar úsáideadh an t-innealra seo leis an coirce a thriomú agus á mheilt. Is seans é seo éalú isteach i saol atá coimhthíoch dúinn inniu, ach saol a bhí coitianta agus neamhshuntasach i saol ár sinsir.
Nestled on the banks of the Glenaddragh River in Kilcar, Co. Donegal, Leitir Corn Mill is a portal to the past, offering a vivid glimpse into the 19th-century era of traditional corn milling—a vital aspect of Ireland's agricultural history.
Dating back to the early 1800s and operational until May 1954, this mill has served the corn growers of Kilcar, Glencolumbkille, and Killybegs, with additional patrons from Ardara. Our mill not only processed corn into nutritious oatmeal, a staple food for the Irish, but also provided essential animal feed during times of scarcity.
The mill we see today underwent significant refurbishment in the 1860s by Horatio Glanville Murray Stewart, standing on an older site from the late 1700s. This rich history showcases its role not just in local agriculture but as a part of the broader narrative of industrial and agricultural heritage in the Northwest of Ireland.
In 2014, the formation of a local heritage committee marked the beginning of a new chapter for Leitir Corn Mill, turning it into a working heritage water mill. This project has not only preserved the mill's intricate machinery and traditional techniques but also revitalized its role in the community.
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Today, visitors can explore the mill, the miller’s house, the millrace, and millpond, complemented by scenic walks that illustrate the mill's operational history and its contribution to the region.
At Leitir Corn Mill, experience the ingenuity of historical milling practices and discover a rare surviving example of a small country custom mill, where generations of farmers once turned their hard-won harvests into the finest oatmeal.
This mill is not merely an exhibit but a celebration of resilience, history, and the enduring spirit of the Irish agricultural community.