Patterson’s Spade Mill

Patterson’s Spade Mill is the only surviving water-​driven spade mill in Ireland. You can find it in the village of Templepatrick. If you visit (something worthwhile for schools in the area) you can see first hand the process of the spades being made. I remember visiting when I was at school and the sounds and memories still stick with me to this day. See the red hot steel molding the spades, check out the noisy water-​powered trip hammer and hear the hiss of the metal cooling as it is plunged in to the water. It was a fascinating day out and good educational fun for us wee kiddies. You can even buy yourself one of the hand made spades to take home with you! If you come as a group you can avail of the guided tours available which last around one hour. If you fancy a nibble afterwards you could pop round to the Templeton or Hilton Hotel nearby.