Down Syndrome Kerry

Down Syndrome Kerry supports over 200 families across the county, providing lifelong services in speech and language therapy, education, training, employment pathways, and social inclusion. Our mission is to empower people with Down syndrome to live full, independent, and connected lives within their own communities.

The Millhouse Café Project at Blennerville Windmill is the next step in that journey – a vibrant, inclusive social enterprise transforming heritage space into real employment and opportunity.

This café will create meaningful, supported employment for DSK members aged 16+, offering paid roles in hospitality, customer service, food preparation, and retail. It provides a live progression pathway for participants of our Kookability Programme at MTU — enabling learners to transfer culinary, digital, and teamwork skills into a real working environment. Skills move from training into practice, building confidence, independence, and professional identity.

The project is rooted in collaboration. DSK will partner with local food producers, disability organisations, training providers, and tourism stakeholders to build a shared learning ecosystem. From inclusive supply chains to peer mentoring and shared training opportunities, the café will model community-led enterprise across Kerry.

Positioned at the gateway to the Tralee Greenway and beside one of Ireland’s most iconic heritage landmarks, the café will contribute to the revival of heritage tourism while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Sustainable Communities (SDG 11).

Blennerville represents movement and resilience.

With the much-appreciated support of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2026 and you, our community in Kerry, The Millhouse Café will become a space where inclusion is visible, ability is celebrated, and every cup served reflects opportunity in action.