Millisle

Millisle is a popular seaside resort with an extensive sandy beach and a man-made lagoon. Steeped in history and beauty, it was given the name due to the number of mills that operated in days gone by.

Second World War

In 1939 Belfast’s small Jewish community leased the derelict Ballyrolly Farm, which is located on the outskirts of Millisle. Here the community erected dormitories to house the refugees escaping the atrocities of Nazi Germany. By the time it closed in 1948, over 300 adults and children had passed through the Farm. Years later, veterans of the Kindertransport planted a grove of trees in the peace forest outside Jerusalem in tribute to their saviours in Belfast and Millisle. Millisle Primary School has a Holocaust Memorial Garden, developed by the pupils in recognition of this history.

Millisle attractions

Ballycopeland Windmill is a late 18th century tower mill that is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. Although it fell into disrepair in the First World War it was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.

Millisle is also home to Eden Pottery where young and the young at heart, creative or not, can paint pottery pieces to take home. It sells pre decorated pottery home ware and has a café on site serving homemade goodies.

The School Garden 1895, offering fresh flower based workshops at the Schoolmaster’s House, a period country home near the historic Ballycopeland Windmill, The School Garden is steeped in history;

Ganaway Activity Centre, a 13 acre site just outside of Millisle, is a facility providing a wide range of outdoor activities to groups of all ages.

Millisle Beach

Millisle Lagoon and Beach Park boasts a beach that has received an award for its natural beauty and cleanliness. The golden sands and seawater lagoon provide a safe bathing area for all to enjoy.

Interesting Facts

Notable people from Millisle include, Amy Carmichael. Amy Carmichael was a Christian missionary who was born in the village in 1867. Amy initially

helped needy mill workers, known as shawlies or millies but later worked as a missionary in China, Japan and India. The Carmichael townhouse, in which she lived, was demolished in 2002. However, a commemorative plaque was erected in her memory by the town to mark the site.

Ulster-Scots in Millisle

Explore the infuence of the Ulster-Scots in Millisle.

Self Guided Town and Village Walking Trails

Learn more about the area through our Walking Trail guides which help you discover the rich history of this place, by walking in the footsteps of Normans, Vikings and Saints amongst others.

Village Trails of the Ards Peninsula

Other Walking Trail guides include:

• Bangor | Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay | Holywood 
• Comber | Newtownards | Donaghadee

Click for detailed Maps and Guides.

Visitor Information Centres

Our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards have a knowledgeable team who would be delighted to help offer tips and suggestions for how to make the most of your time in the city and the wider borough.

Each of our centres has a gift shop - pick up a memento of your trip from a range of items including souvenirs, locally crafted jewellery, ornaments, books of local interest and so much more.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre | Ards Visitor Information Centre

Getting to Millisle

Follow the scenic road from Donaghadee for approximately 15 minutes, or approximately 30 minutes from Portaferry, gateway to the Borough from Strangford, in the south.

Best accessed by road and by using Translink public transport (bus only).

See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.

Plan your trip

Sat Nav details

Latitude 54°38'18"N and longitude 5°32'0"W

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Millisle | 40 - 50 minutes
Bangor - Millisle | 25 - 35 minutes
Comber - Millisle | 25 minutes
Newtownards - Millisle | 15 minutes
Portaferry - Millisle | 30 minutes (via Strangford Lough), or 40 minutes (via the east coast)