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Blennerville Windmill: A Window to Kerry's Past

Discover Ireland's largest working windmill, a beautifully restored landmark offering insights into milling history and Irish emigration.

4.5

Blennerville Windmill, standing tall on the shores of Tralee Bay, is Ireland's largest working windmill and a poignant reminder of the area's rich history. Restored to its former glory, it offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century milling practices and the stories of those who emigrated from Blennerville during the Great Famine.

A brief summary to Blennerville Windmill

  • Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening times in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Arrive early during peak season to secure parking, as the on-site car park is small.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the windmill stairs.
  • Consider a walk along the Tralee Ship Canal, which offers scenic views of Tralee Bay and the Slieve Mish Mountains.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Blennerville, the windmill is easily accessible on foot. Simply head north on Bridge Street, then turn right onto Windmill Lane. The windmill will be on your left. The walk is short and offers views of the surrounding area.

  • Public Transport

    From Tralee, Bus Éireann routes 275, 283, and 290A stop in Blennerville. From the Blennerville bus stop, it's a short walk to the windmill. Bus fare from Tralee is approximately €3-5. Check the Bus Éireann website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.

  • Driving

    From Tralee town center, take the N86 road towards Dingle. After about 2.5 km, follow the signs for Blennerville Windmill and turn right onto the R551. Continue on the R551 to a roundabout, then take the second exit onto the R558. Turn left onto Bridge Street, then right onto Windmill Lane. The windmill will be on your left. Parking is available in a small car park at the windmill. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Blennerville Windmill

Dominating the landscape where Tralee meets the Dingle Peninsula, Blennerville Windmill is more than just a picturesque landmark; it's a journey into the past. Built around 1800 by Sir Rowland Blennerhassett, the windmill served as a vital hub for the local grain trade. For a time, Blennerville was the main port of Tralee, and the windmill played a key role in processing grain for both local consumption and export to Great Britain. The port at Blennerville was a major emigration point, especially during the Great Famine. Thousands of Irish people departed from here, seeking new lives across the Atlantic. The visitor center features exhibits about the emigrant barque Jeanie Johnston, which made numerous voyages from Blennerville to North America without ever losing a passenger. Though the windmill fell into disrepair in the late 19th century, it was purchased by Tralee Urban District Council in 1981 and meticulously restored. Today, visitors can explore the five-story structure, witness the milling process, and learn about the windmill's history through guided tours and multimedia presentations. The complex machinery still grinds grain when the winds are favorable. The site also includes a craft center, a model railway showcasing the Tralee & Dingle Light Railway, and a gift shop.

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