History of The Mill at Ballydugan

When the Ballydugan Mill was built in 1792 it was an engineering marvel. The latest technology and the best materials were employed to create a vibrant economic venture: eight vast floors producing flour, bran and starch, powered by water, wind and steam. The Mill provided wealth for its owners and jobs for the community; these were the all too brief glory days of Lecale's agricultural society prior to is demise along with other industry in the area.

Rear view of Mill

Front view of Mill

By 1857 less than 70 years later the Ballydugan Mill, a deserted giant, lay desolate. For more than 125 years it was allowed to fall into ruin. It took the vision and commitment of Noel Killen to restore the Mill to its former splendour. In 1987 the Mill was bought by Noel Killen, a local contractor renowned for his love of traditional Irish buildings. After many years of hard work the restoration project was completed and the Old Mill was given a new lease of life. The charm and majesty of the building lead to it finally being given the listed building status that it richly deserves.

The result of this partnership is a restoration project in keeping with the majesty and charm of the old mill and which also brought a new lease of life to the old "giant". Under Noel Killen's ownership the Mill was finally granted the listed building status that it richly deserves.
It was always Noel's aim to open the mill to the public and allow others to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the building. As a result of over 12 years work The Mill at Ballydugan now incorporates The following:
A ground floor Café (The wheelhouse) First floor restaurant (The Lecale Restaurant) 11 en suite bedrooms now occupy the second and third floors. The fourth floor now provides unique and adaptable function facilities catering for banquets intimate wedding receptions and conferences. Not content with his achievements Noel has further plans to adapt another floor into a permanent exhibition featuring a compilation of the history of Ballydugan Mill, the process of reconstruction and the mill's place in the economy of South Down.	The Mill Today after 12 years restoration by Noel Killen

Welcome   Location   History  Facilities   Contact   site design www.emeraldtiger.com