The last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles Hear the hammers, smell the grit and feel the heat of traditional spade-making. Guided tours vividly capture life during the Industrial Revolution and dig up the history and culture of the humble spade. Find out the origins of the phrase 'a face as long as a Lurgan spade'.
What a great piece of our history being maintained and run by a very passionate group of people. I visited for the day and did the blacksmithing course which was a lot of fun, I learnt a lot and left having created a couple of reasonable pieces. I'd highly recommend doing the day course.
This is a little known national trust property. Well worth a visit. You'll never look at a spade again in the same way. This place is lucky to still be here so do support it. It is believed to be the last one in all of Europe! The guides know their stuff and the demonstrations will show you what life in a spade mill was like over a hundred heads ago, little has changed. The mill includes the original race which powers the water turbine.
Had a brilliant day at Patterson's Spade Mill, James was wonderful showing us around. There was so much to see and do, the coal forges and the massive gas forge. The hydraulic power hammers were amazing to watch as the blacksmiths worked on shaping billets of steel. Would definitely recommend a visit to this fantastic place.
Amazing stop on our trip round northern Ireland. Small but fascinating. Lots to see and the staff are really friendly.
Fascinating tour and demonstration of spade making. Think hot metal and massive hammers. Friendly, knowledgeble staff and volunteers. Bear in mind: this is one of the smaller NT properties so doesn't have a cafe.
Loved it so much. Actually seeing a spade forged in front of us using the water wheel. Guides great fun and full of knowledge. Bought a spade too!
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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What a great piece of our history being maintained and run by a very passionate group of people. I visited for the day and did the blacksmithing course which was a lot of fun, I learnt a lot and left having created a couple of reasonable pieces. I'd highly recommend doing the day course.
This is a little known national trust property. Well worth a visit. You'll never look at a spade again in the same way. This place is lucky to still be here so do support it. It is believed to be the last one in all of Europe! The guides know their stuff and the demonstrations will show you what life in a spade mill was like over a hundred heads ago, little has changed. The mill includes the original race which powers the water turbine.
Had a brilliant day at Patterson's Spade Mill, James was wonderful showing us around. There was so much to see and do, the coal forges and the massive gas forge. The hydraulic power hammers were amazing to watch as the blacksmiths worked on shaping billets of steel. Would definitely recommend a visit to this fantastic place.
Amazing stop on our trip round northern Ireland. Small but fascinating. Lots to see and the staff are really friendly.
Fascinating tour and demonstration of spade making. Think hot metal and massive hammers. Friendly, knowledgeble staff and volunteers. Bear in mind: this is one of the smaller NT properties so doesn't have a cafe.
Loved it so much. Actually seeing a spade forged in front of us using the water wheel. Guides great fun and full of knowledge. Bought a spade too!
