Agher Church - Thomas Jervais Window

Agher Church is a charming building set outside the village of Summerhill in the peaceful countryside of Co. Meath. The church is famous for its east window, which was created by the Dublin born artist Thomas Jervais (d.1799). It is currently believed to be one of the oldest pieces of glass in the Republic of Ireland. The window was originally erected in the private chapel of Dangan Castle, which was burnt down in 1809 and was presented to Agher church by the then occupants of the castle.

The only other surviving piece of Jervais's work is the great west window of the ante-chapel of New College, University of Oxford, England.

In 2016, with the support of the Irish Georgian Society, the Heritage Council, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Select Vestry of Rathmolyon Union of Parishes, the window was removed for conservation by York Glaziers in the UK where it was cleaned, conserved and re-leaded before being re-installed in the church with isothermal glazing and set in a bespoke frame.

Another historical fact is that Dean Jonathan Swift was rector of Agher from 1699 until his death in 1745.

Visitors are welcome to come and view the church and learn about its window and history.