Things to do at Patterson's Spade Mill

Blacksmith's working at the Forge, heating steel. | © Paul Moane

Patterson’s Spade Mill is the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles. Step inside to watch how a block of steel is exposed to immense heat and transformed into a spade of the highest quality. Take a tour of the mill, watch a demonstration, or join a blacksmithing class and have a go at making something special to take home with you.

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Patterson's Spade Mill

You can take part in a tour of the mill and watch as a spade is made at Patterson's Spade Mill.

Visiting Patterson's Spade Mill

Please look out for signs while you’re here which will explain how you can access different parts of the site. Our staff will also be on hand to guide you and answer questions. In the visitor reception area we have displays of old blacksmithing equipment and tools.

Blacksmithing classes

Discover the art of blacksmithing with classes at Patterson's Spade Mill. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, or a day out with a difference, Blacksmithing classes at Patterson's Spade Mill are an unforgettable experience.

Learn all about the history of Patterson's Spade Mill, from it's beginnings in Coalisland to becoming the last water powered spade mill in daily use in the British Isles, all while turning you hand to the ancient craft of blacksmithing.

Evening classes

Price: a four week course costs £150

Part of a four week course, evening classes offer a chance to get an in-depth insight into the blacksmithing craft. Attendees will be taught the basics, working their way up over the four weeks to more ornate designs. From the simple tips and tricks of the art form, to seeing how elaborate designs are formed, evening classes are a great way to blow off steam, develop a new hobby and forge your own custom piece taking it from concept to completion.

Full day classes

Price: a full day class costs £125

Take a day off from your routine and become a blacksmith with a full day class. Full day classes normally last about six hours and are led by our fully-trained, qualified blacksmiths. The Patterson's team is dedicated to sharing the time-honoured craft of blacksmithing, ensuring that your expeirence is not only memorable but safe.

Over the course of a full day class you will be given the history of Patterson's, an insight into how the current mill works and a hands-on look at the techniques used in creating everything from the simple shoe horse to ornate, bespoke commissions. These full day classes give you a real taste for the blacksmithing craft as you create your own bespoke piece, and when the tools are downed and the forge extinguished, you'll take away a beautifully crafted piece of ironmongery.

Booking your classes

Classes are available for individuals, groups, team building days and parties. Discounts are available for groups.

A trio of handmade log holders forged at Patterson's Spade Mill stand against a stonewall filled with chopped firewood. — A trio of handmade log holders forged at Patterson's Spade Mill | © Paul Moane

Commissions

The team of experienced blacksmith's can create bespoke pieces, whether its a log holder or a cake stand, they can forge something just for you, for that special occassion or that special someone.

If you would like to discuss a commission or make a booking for Blacksmithing classes, you can call or email Patterson’s Spade Mill team on 02894 433619 or email pattersons@nationaltrust.org.uk

The exterior of Patterson's Spade Mill, County Antrim

Discover more at Patterson’s Spade Mill

Find out when Patterson’s Spade Mill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Our work at Patterson’s Spade Mill

Continuing a legacy of hundreds of years of spade making, learn about our work to keep heritage skills alive and fire up a passion for traditional blacksmithing.