Summerhill: Woodland Trails, Water Sports and History

Summerhill combines woodland trails, water sports and a village setting where the village green, crosses and historic houses come together. There are different ways to plan your trip: a gentle woodland walk, a longer hike of moderate difficulty, or time at the purpose-built Wake N Ski lake. Which of these aspects you would like to focus on is a useful guide when choosing a holiday rental in Summerhill.

Woodland trails for different timeframes

The Woodland Loop is 1.5 km long, rated easy and listed as taking 30 minutes to walk. It passes through an old woodland of deciduous and coniferous trees. Summerhill Forest was originally part of Lord Langford’s estate. The short loop combines a manageable time commitment with a glimpse into the history of the woodland.

The Lime Kiln Loop is also rated easy, but at 2.8 km and 45 minutes’ walking time, it is longer. It circles 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 described; it is rated moderate and follows old waterworks from the estate’s time. In comparison, there are two easy loops of 30 and 45 minutes, and one moderate loop of an hour. You can choose according to the time you have available and the level of challenge you want.

The entrance to Summerhill Forest and the car park are on the R158, on the right as you come from Summerhill. Before setting out, it is worth checking the latest information from the operators: trail conditions can change.

Water sports at Wake N Ski

Wake N Ski is a purpose-built lake in Summerhill where water skiing and wakeboarding are available. Open-water swimming is also offered. The lake is 700 metres long and 50 metres wide; high banks surround it and shelter it from the wind. The boat has a training bar for complete beginners—a specific feature of this part of the offering.

Advance reservations are required for Wake N Ski. Free parking is available, and all equipment is included. As operator arrangements can change, check these details before travelling. This makes it easy to distinguish this outing from the woodland trails: the focus here is on water skiing, wakeboarding or open-water swimming.

Village green and architectural history

Summerhill’s village green features a cast-iron water pump, a Celtic Revival-style high cross and a medieval cross. The pump was installed around 1870. Decorative bands and fluting define its design; it served as a communal water source for the village. The green, in the Summerhill Architectural Conservation Area, is lined with town houses in a variety of architectural styles. Here, a reminder of the community’s water supply and a range of historic architectural forms come together in one place.

The street pattern is also part of the area’s history: it reflects the planned layout of the estate associated with Summerhill Demesne to the south. The site at Dangan Castle in Summerhill includes ruins, garden buildings, two obelisks on arches and a stable block. Dangan Castle is regarded as the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington.

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 for Summerhill House. 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. These buildings add further aspects of Summerhill’s architectural and local history to the crosses and the pump.

Another historical highlight in County Meath

In the wider destination of County Meath, the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne. It includes the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, which were built around 3200 BC. This offers a different historical and cultural perspective from Summerhill’s estate history, crosses and houses.

Discover more destinations: Kilcloon, Ashbourne, Kells, Kilbride, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Donore, Enfield.

View the wider travel guide: County Meath.