WELCOME TO CRAANFORD MILLS

OPENING TO PUBLIC ON
20 JUNE 2024 



OPEN FOR
SCHOOL TOURS

1st to 14th may 2024 AND 19TH TO 28TH JUNE 2024

click here for information



wheelchair accessible

About us

A unique early 17th Century, 1610, heritage site and working museum with a restored and operational water wheel.
Craanford mills is housed in a domestic scale structure.

This corn-grinding mill was lovingly restored to full working order by the Lyons family, opened to public 1994 and was highly commended in the Henry Ford Conservation Awards in 1996, also pipped for 1st prize in the Heritage Category.

The works are on view to visitors with interpretive data and explanatory exhibits.

Group Tours are by appointment and can be requested by emailing: craanfordmills@yahoo.com or by calling 086 1279307.


GROUP TOURS are suitable for schools, active retirement groups and 'other' groups (up to 20 persons). 

 ‘Kiln’ Tea/Coffee room on site.

timeline

 

1610

First record of Mill 1610, owner Mr Byrne


1820

Lyons family purchase Mill from Mr Innman, 2nd owner


1948

Water Mill replaced by Hammer Mill  powered by an attached tractor

1951
Mill ceased operation with the introduction of rural electrification.

1990

Michael Lyons starts renovation of the Mill.  The Mill wheel starts moving in 1991

1994

Michael Lyons completes restoration of Mill and opens it to visitors

2021

John Lyons becomes Caretaker of the Mill

Step BACK IN TIME...


The flagstone floors have been worn away by 200 years of shuffling feet, the stairs creek
 in mild complaint and on one side of the room
 sacks of ground meal slouch against each other.

For the 21st century visitor, a watermill like the one at the village of Craanford is full of romance and nostalgia.  One can imagine farmers three centuries ago bringing their freshly harvested grain to be ground into all important life-giving meal.