Glenoak Mills, Mill Road, Crumlin, Co Antrim

Glenoak Mills is an industrial complex of historical significance to Crumlin's development, though little architectural distinction remains from its origins. The site comprises a number of buildings constructed variously in stone, brickwork, and rendered finishes, mostly in altered condition, with some derelict and some refurbished. These are predominantly industrial structures except for one small domestic property—a rendered house of recently refurbished appearance with a modern canopy added over the doorway. Original window openings and doorways have been blocked in various buildings, while replaced windows do not follow original patterns. Corrugated sheeting has replaced slate roof coverings in places.

The mills were originally established in 1765 by Rowland Heyland as flour and corn mills. They were said to be the nucleus for the origin of the town of Crumlin and were the most extensive and complete flour mills in Ireland at that time, and the first built in Ulster. They are credited with encouraging local grain growth. The flour mills, located near Glen Oak House, were 5 storeys high and propelled by 3 waterwheels; the corn mill, built approximately 100 yards away near the bridge, was propelled by one waterwheel. Extensive stores were added shortly after, built by the government.

By the 1830s the mills had been taken over by Messrs Macauley & Son. From 1861 the lease was held by James Hunter, a flour miller with property also in Dunmurry and Antrim, until his bankruptcy in 1871. Henry P. Rhodes became tenant in 1872 until the mills were destroyed by fire in 1884. In 1886 the Ulster Woollen Company took over the property under Thomas Tait Scott, constructing factory sheds. During the 1970s the property was owned by Silentnight Ltd of Colne in Lancashire, following which it passed to the present owner.

The site stands near the northern edge of the village, bordering the Crumlin River on land sloping downward from Glen Oak House, accessed directly from the main road.