On my trip through The Barrow Way, I came across this picturesque old barley mill near Athy, Co Kildare. Called Levitstown Mill and it is a fine and imposing stone building of the early nineteenth century that forms an imposing landmark in the locality.
The building, although now disused, is of considerable social and historic importance for originally having served as the industrial center in the region.
So, Levitstown Mill was built in 1791 on the Grand Canal, at the ‘meeting of the waters’ with the River Barrow. Levitstown is on a 5-acre site, with significant river and canal frontage. Moreover, it has its own jetty and boat moorings.
But, the huge old mill and lock at Levitstown, was destroyed by a fire in the 1940s. Thus, the mill once produced malt that was brought by barge to the Guinness brewery at St James’s Gate in Dublin.
Now in ruins, the Mill is a tourist attraction. However, it’s a very charming and peaceful place. And a perfect spot for fishing with the river running both in front and at the back of it. Also, there are barges docked along the river.
Situated nearby to the lock gate Levitstown Lock and the forest Dollardstown Wood.
Location:
Below are photos I took in March 2021.
