Overview
Saggart is a fast‑growing heritage village in the county of South Dublin, perched at the northern mouth of the Slade of Saggart valley. Only 45 minutes by Luas from Dublin city centre, it offers a blend of ancient monuments, tranquil countryside and contemporary leisure facilities such as the Citywest Hotel & Golf Resort and a large shopping centre.
History
The name Saggart comes from the Irish Teach Sacra – “house of Sacra”. A 7th‑century monk called Mosacra founded a monastic settlement here, which later became a nunnery of over 80 women before the Viking raids of the 9th century. The monastic ruins survive on the grounds of the Coolmine Equestrian Centre, about 1.5 km from the present‑day village centre.
By the early 13th century the settlement, then recorded as Tasagart, was a prebend of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. The current Catholic church, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built between 1847 and 1849 and still dominates the village skyline.
The area is littered with prehistoric markers. Two megalithic standing stones in Boherboy are locally known as “Adam and Eve”, and the Raheen Standing Stone sits on Blessington Road near Crooksling. A Celtic pilgrim’s stone dating to the 10th century can be seen in the local graveyard.
From 1888 to 1932 the Dublin and Blessington Steam Tramway stopped at Saggart, linking the village to the wider region long before the modern Luas line arrived.
What to See & Do
Ancient Sites
- Adam and Eve standing stones – a pair of upright stones in Boherboy, free to visit and perfect for a quick photo stop.
- Raheen Standing Stone – another solitary monolith on Blessington Road, offering a glimpse of Ireland’s Neolithic past.
- Monastic ruins at Coolmine Equestrian Centre – the foundations of St Mosacra’s 7th‑century monastery are visible among the riding arenas. The centre also hosts the summer CEAD‑Fest, a showcase of equestrian sport and Irish culture.
Religious Heritage
- Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – an elegant 19th‑century stone church with stained‑glass windows, still active for worship and community events.
Natural Landscape
- Slade of Saggart – a narrow mountain valley that runs east‑west, flanked by the River Camac. A walking trail under construction (as of 2021) will link the valley to the nearby Saggart Reservoir, providing a scenic route for hikers and bird‑watchers. The great spotted woodpecker has been recorded here.
- River Camac – follows the valley, offering pleasant riverside walks.
Modern Amenities
- Citywest Hotel & Golf Resort – a four‑star hotel with two championship golf courses, conference facilities and the on‑site Lemongrass Restaurant serving Pan‑Asian cuisine. The hotel regularly hosts the Irish Masters snooker tournament and other high‑profile events.
- Citywest Shopping Centre – anchored by Dunnes Stores, it houses a pharmacy, cafés and a range of retail outlets.
- Coolmine Equestrian Centre – beyond the historic ruins, the centre provides riding lessons, competitions and the annual CEAD‑Fest.
- Jacob’s Bar – a historic public house dating back to 1901, offering a traditional Irish pub atmosphere.
Nearby attractions
A short drive north brings you to the ruins of Carrickmines Castle, an impressive medieval fortification that played a key role in the defence of Dublin. Learn more at Carrickmines.
Practical Information
Saggart is well‑connected by public transport. The Luas Red Line terminates at Saggart stop, delivering a 45‑minute ride into Dublin city centre. Several Dublin Bus routes also serve the village:
| Service | Route(s) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Bus | 65, 69, 69X, 69N (late night) | Regular daytime service |
| GoAhead Ireland | W6 | Weekday service |
The N7 (Naas Road) runs close to the village, providing quick car access to Dublin and the south‑west of Ireland.
Parking is available at the Citywest Hotel and Shopping Centre (free for hotel guests, pay‑and‑display for shoppers). The equestrian centre offers a small car park for visitors to the monastic site.
For those planning to attend events at Citywest Hotel or CEAD‑Fest, it is advisable to book accommodation early, as the hotel fills quickly during tournament weeks.
Website links
- Citywest Hotel: citywesthotel.com
- Coolmine Equestrian Centre: coolmineequestrian.ie
- Luas Saggart stop: luas.ie/saggart.html
Coordinates: 53.2811 N, 6.4444 W.