Patterson's Spade Mill

Patterson's Spade Mill is a water-powered factory in Ballypalady where steel billets are hammered and shaped into finished spades. The building contains a large trip hammer and water turbine that drive over 30 machines connected by a network of belts.

The mill opened in 1832 as a processing facility for flax and grain, then shifted to paper production before focusing on spade manufacturing from 1920 onward. This change in purpose allowed the site to survive and become one of the last of its kind.

The mill reflects spade-making traditions that shaped how farming communities across the island worked the land for over 200 years. Walking through the workshops, you see evidence of craftsmanship that became part of daily life in rural areas.

The site is best visited on weekends when guided tours show how the machinery operates and the production process unfolds. Wear sturdy shoes as the factory floor has uneven surfaces and machinery that requires careful navigation.

The water turbine was restored in 1994 and powers the entire factory without needing external electricity, making it one of the last places where you can watch traditional water-powered manufacturing in action. Few visitors realize that the same techniques and equipment have kept the production flowing for nearly a century.