Summerhill: Woodland Walks and Architecture

Summerhill offers a variety of ways to spend time outdoors and discover historic buildings. Three circular walks vary in length, walking time and difficulty; several notable structures stand on the village green. Wake N Ski adds a purpose-built lake for watersports. When planning your stay, you can choose among these activities according to your interests and available time.

Circular walks through woodland and countryside

The Woodland Loop is 1.5 kilometres long, rated easy and listed as taking 30 minutes to walk. The route passes through mature woodland with deciduous and coniferous trees. Summerhill Forest was originally part of Lord Langford’s estate. The circular walk therefore combines a short time commitment with a glimpse of the woodland’s composition and its former use.

The equally easy Lime Kiln Loop covers 2.8 kilometres around Summerhill Demesne; the listed walking time is 45 minutes. Along the way, the route passes the ruins of an old lime kiln. The Water Course Loop is longer, at four kilometres with a walking time of one hour, and is rated moderate. It follows old water features from the estate’s time. The listed distances, times and difficulty levels make it possible to compare the three circular walks directly. Check the operator’s latest information before setting out, as trail conditions can change.

The village green and architectural history

Summerhill’s village green is lined with townhouses in a variety of architectural styles. It is also home to a cast-iron water pump, a Celtic Revival-style high cross and a medieval cross. The water pump was installed around 1870. Its decorative bands and fluting define the structure; in the past, it served as a communal source of water for the village. Together, the three structures represent different eras and forms of public design.

The street layout also tells the story of the village’s design: it reflects the planned structure of the estate, which is connected to Summerhill Demesne to the south. Dangan Castle in Summerhill is known as the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington. The site includes ruins, garden structures, two arch-supported obelisks and a stable block. These features invite visitors to appreciate the different forms of local architecture, as well as individual buildings.

Spring Valley House was built around 1770 as a detached, two-storey, five-bay house over a basement. It once served as the dower house of Summerhill House. The surviving condition of the churches also varies: Agher Church was rebuilt around 1902 and has a three-storey bell tower and a graveyard. Ferrans Church is the ruin of a small church in a graveyard and is a recorded monument.

Watersports at Wake N Ski

Wake N Ski is a purpose-built lake in Summerhill, County Meath, used for water skiing and wakeboarding; open-water swimming is also available. The lake is 700 metres long and 50 metres wide. High banks shelter it from the wind. The boat has a training bar for complete beginners.

Advance booking is required for Wake N Ski. Free parking is available, and all equipment is included. Check the operator’s latest information and booking conditions before travelling. There is also a car park at the entrance to Summerhill Forest. The entrance and car park are on the R158; coming from Summerhill, they are on the right-hand side. Here too, it is worth checking the operator’s latest information before planning your journey.

Plan your visit to Summerhill around your interests

If you are looking for a short walk, the Woodland Loop, at 30 minutes, is the shortest of the three listed options. The Lime Kiln Loop takes 45 minutes according to the listed information, while the moderate Water Course Loop takes one hour. Those more interested in landscape and architectural history will find different points of interest along the routes: woodland and former land use on the Woodland Loop, lime kiln ruins on the Lime Kiln Loop and old water features on the Water Course Loop.

Discover more destinations: Longwood, Kiltale, Kells, Pelletstown, Donaghmore, Kilmessan, Dunsany, Rathmolyon

For the wider travel overview: County Meath.