[2] The windmill has four timber sails, and unusually, the rotating roof is thatched, originally in rye.

The timber tail pole is connected from the roof to a cart wheel on the ground guided by a groove, which was used to change the direction of the sails.

It was extensively renovated over the course of three years, ending in 1996, by a FÁS scheme and Elphin Area Community Enterprise Ltd.[1] The interior was reconstructed using wood.

[2] The windmill is now fully functional, and was officially opened to the public on 22 June 1996[4] by actor Gabriel Byrne.

[2] There is a modern addition to a small building, known as Windmill Cottage, that houses a visitor's centre.