Works to Repair the Great Windmill of Skerries

July 28, 2025

In August 2025 works will commence to secure the future of the 5 Sail, Great Windmill of Skerries. Four new sails, or ‘arms’ of the windmill are being crafted by a skilled carpenter. They are made on site here at Skerries Mills. A crane will take down the existing sails- one at a time, between Autumn 2025 and 2026.

Things are moving at Skerries Mills

Why only four out of five? In 2022, the most severely damaged sail at that time was replaced, following a notable chip from a storm in the previous year. The current Sails were made during the restoration of the entire site, the Watermill complex, and the two Windmills, in the 1990’s. This project, overseen by Fingal County Council, and incoperating FAS, was a resounding success, which began the story of the Community Heritage Centre. Yet almost 30 years on, the condition of the sails is concerning, they are a little worse for wear. Fingal County Council Architects are working with skilled parties to ensure the new sails are built to last 60 years or more.

What day will the sail come down and go back up? The height of the sails, and and delicate nature of removing them, means they can only be moved in times of calm, with low wind. A crane is required, and the crane operators will be watching the weather forecast to decide on the safe time. Therefore, a decision will be made only a day or two in advance when very accurate wind readings are available. When the damaged sail is removed, it is used as the final measurement template for the newly constructed sail. We hope each sail is only down for a week, however, the gap will again depend on the weather, as crane operators watch again for the most appropriate day to hang the replacement.

Will the Mills be open? Skerries Mills guided tours will run every day. Our cafe will close briefly in early September for redecoration. During the days that a crane is on-site, removing and replacing a sail on the five sail mill, tours will divert away from the five-sail mill for safety, they will visit the 4 Sail-Mill and the Watermill.

Will the new sails turn?

Did you know our Sails face north, south, east, and west. They are moved by pulling the tail pole, and it’s not an easy task. The Sails should face the wind. Due to the damage, the Skerries Mills team have been sheltering them from the full force of the wind. In terms of turning around, as they would have turned to grind corn, yes! When all of the sails have been repaired, watch this space.