Woollen Mill, Kilmahog

The complex comprises a woollen mill, altered and extended, likely dating back to the 18th century, with significant additions from the 20th century. It includes a rectangular, single-storey and attic, gable-ended office block, joined to a pair of larger, gabled blocks built in 1965 and 1969, and a single-storey, 19th-century former weaving shed that has also been altered. A notable feature is the survival of a running lade, a sluice gate, and a 14-foot under-shot timber and iron water wheel with gearings.

The complex’s layout has been changed over time, but the sluice gate, water wheel, and gearings remain important elements. Originally, the main road ran behind the mill alongside the lade, but in the 20th century it was re-orientated to the south, creating a car park for tourists. The mill’s entrance is now through a late 20th-century extension connecting the original office block to the former weaving shed.

On the north elevation, which was originally the principal façade, the three gabled office blocks are positioned along the lade. A walkway, incorporating the sluice gate, provides access over the lade. The sluice opening passes under the walkway to a raceway that feeds the water wheel. The wheel, with six spokes and a low-breast shrouded-paddle design, is mounted against a lean-to housing the gearings, with the sluice rejoining the lade afterwards. Both the lean-to and a section of the former weaving shed are built over the lade. Recent repairs in 2004 suggest the wheel is still potentially functional, though it was last used around 2003. A demonstration handloom was at one time powered by the wheel as a tourist attraction. The sluice gate is currently unusable due to its poor condition.

Internally, the spaces have been reconfigured for commercial use. A stone forestair leading to the attic of the office block remains, now enclosed within a modern wing. Within the weaving shed, machinery remains mounted to the ceiling. The building is constructed from random rubble with modern timber sash windows. Roofs are covered with grey slate, pitched over the gabled sections and piended over the weaving shed.