Saggart’s east side unveils a large expanse of land. This is Coldwater Commons. Once slated for golf houses, it holds secrets from a medieval past.
Coldwater Commons lies in the Barony of Newcastle. It is found in the Civil Parish of Saggart. Its Irish name is Coimín an Uisce Fhuair.
But what exactly makes Coldwater Commons so interesting? Let’s step back in time. Imagine the Ireland of AD 400 to AD 1600. This area was once a hub of activity.
Archaeological digs tell a story. In 1999, excavations took place before golf course construction. Workers found medieval pottery and flints. These finds suggest a settlement once thrived here. Much of the topsoil had been previously removed from the site, particularly in those areas close to Saggart village, where medieval remains would be most expected.
Think about the people who lived here. What were their lives like? What stories would they tell about Coldwater Commons?
The site’s transformation is striking. The land was landscaped and seeded. Hillocks and ponds replaced the original terrain. Yet, beneath the manicured surface, history remains.
The name Coldwater Commons itself is intriguing. It evokes images of a place refreshed by cool streams. “Coimín an Uisce Fhuair,” its Irish name, echoes this sense of fresh water.
Consider its location. Coldwater Commons sits at 53° 16′ 52″ N latitude and 6° 25′ 54″ W longitude. It borders other townlands. But we don’t know which ones exactly.
The townland size offers perspective. Coldwater Commons is the 1041st largest in County Dublin. Nationwide, it ranks 60591st.
Brianh added Coldwater Commons to OpenStreetMap on 24 Jan 2015. This marked a digital milestone. It made the townland discoverable to a wider audience.
Saggart itself has a rich history. A monastery founded by St Mosacra in the 7th century gave Saggart its name. The area surrounding Saggart is home to many sites of archaeological interest.
After the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, Saggart was retained as property of the Crown, becoming a royal manor. Nevertheless, it bordered the lands of the Gaelic Irish, and as such was exposed to regular attacks.
The Crown vigilantly guarded its property in Saggart, at the end of the 13th century paying men such as Geoffrey le Bret of Rathfarnham and Hugh de Cruise for carrying out these tasks.
Today, Coldwater Commons blends the old and the new. A golf course overlays ancient ground. Modern life flourishes where medieval people once lived. It is a place where you can almost hear the whispers of the past carried on the breeze.