Wellbrook Beetling Mill

The site originated as a linen bleaching works in 1764, established by Hugh Faulkner and his brother. In the 1830s, James Irwin acquired the property and redeveloped it into a beetling mill, replacing earlier structures with the buildings that stand today. The Leeper family took ownership in 1864, sourcing linen from local producers such as Gunning and Moore’s Milburn Factory and exporting finished cloth to markets including New Zealand and Australia. During the First World War, the mill contributed to the war effort by producing linen and flax in large quantities. Operations declined in the mid-20th century due to the growing use of synthetic fabrics, and the mill closed in 1961. In 1967,…

The site includes a 16-foot water wheel and original beetling machinery, which are demonstrated during guided tours. Visitors can also explore woodland trails, view a traditional mill worker’s cottage, and participate in educational programs focused on Ulster’s linen industry.