Split Hills & Long Esker Hill

Fruits of the Hawthorn

Carsten Krieger

Fruits of the Hawthorn
Carsten Krieger

Fruits of the Hawthorn

Carsten Krieger

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The Split Hills and Long Hill Esker is a striking feature of the landscape between Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass in Co. Westmeath. It is one of the best and longest (5km) examples of a wooded esker in Ireland.

This area of semi-natural woodland boasts some fine specimens of hazel, ash, hawthorn, oak, wych elm and Irish Whitebeam.

The ground flora is equally species-rich and a colourful mosaic of primroses, bluebells, ground ivy, golden saxifrages covers the woodland floor. The rare Bird’s-nest orchid and Wood Fescue has also been recorded at Spilt Hills and Long Hill Esker.

The surrounding area also supports calcareous grassland habitats that contain numerous species of orchid.