Summerhill combines short woodland loops with traces of its estate history and a lake for water sports. The trails vary in length, walking time and difficulty; in the village, the village green and historic buildings also tell stories of different chapters in its past.
Woodland trails with different time profiles
The Woodland Loop is an easy 1.5 km circuit with a walking time of 30 minutes. It passes through an old stand of deciduous and coniferous trees. Summerhill Forest was originally part of Lord Langford's estate. If you're looking for a shorter route, this is the shortest and quickest of the three loops described here.
The equally easy Lime Kiln Loop is 2.8 km long, with a walking time of 45 minutes. It goes around Summerhill Demesne and passes the ruins of an old lime kiln. At 4 km and one hour, the Water Course Loop is the longest of the three routes; it is rated moderate and follows old waterworks from the estate era. The trails can therefore be distinguished by their stated duration and difficulty: two easy options and one longer, moderately difficult loop.
For all three trails: check the latest information from the operator before setting out. Trail conditions may change.
Village green and architectural heritage
Summerhill's village green features a cast-iron water pump, a Celtic Revival-style high cross and a medieval cross. The pump, installed around 1870, has decorative bands and fluting. It served as a communal water source for the village. The different architectural styles of the townhouses lining the village green shape this part of the Summerhill Architectural Conservation Area. The street pattern also reflects the planned layout of the estate, which was connected to Summerhill Demesne to the south.
Other historic buildings in Summerhill make their own mark. Dangan Castle comprises ruins, garden structures, two obelisks on arches and a stable block. The site is regarded as the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington. Spring Valley House was built around 1770 as a detached, two-storey house over a basement, with five bays; it once served as the dower house of Summerhill House.
The churches, too, have distinct histories and forms. Agher Church was rebuilt around 1902 and includes a three-storey bell tower and a graveyard. Ferrans Church is the ruin of a small church in a graveyard and is a protected monument. Together with the crosses and the water pump, these sites offer a varied picture of local architectural and social history.
Water sports at Wake N Ski Lake
Wake N Ski is a purpose-built lake for water skiing and wakeboarding in Summerhill, County Meath. Open-water swimming is also available. The lake is 700 metres long and 50 metres wide; high banks shelter it from the wind. Beginners can use a training bar attached to the boat. All equipment is included, and free parking is available.
Advance booking is required for Wake N Ski. Check the latest visitor information and operator conditions before travelling, as arrangements for visiting may change. This trip needs different planning from a woodland walk: booking is specifically part of the preparation.
Visitor information
The entrance to Summerhill Forest is on the R158; when coming from Summerhill, it is on the right. There is a car park at the entrance. This directions information applies to the forest entrance; check the operator's latest information about the trails and their conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Donore, Kiltale, Pelletstown, Rathmolyon, Kilcloon, Kilmessan, Boycetown, An Seanchaisleán
For the overview of the wider area: County Meath.
