Once known as Creevagh or Crevagh, Cruagh’s history is etched in the very soil beneath our feet. This place whispers tales from the Neolithic period. Are you ready to hear them?
Cruagh is a civil parish in the barony of Uppercross in South Dublin. It is located south of Ballyboden on the R116 regional road. The name Cruagh derives from the Irish word “craobhach”. It means branches. The name was first recorded in 1641.
Let’s turn back time to around 460 AD. A small church was built here in what is now the old section of Cruagh Cemetery. Dalua, a 5th-century saint and disciple of Saint Patrick, likely founded it. In 1184, Prince John granted the church to the Archbishop of Dublin. The Vicar of Tallaght served the church until around 1700. Turbulent times in Ireland led to its disuse. Today, little remains of that original church but its memory still lingers.
In the early 19th century a watchtower was constructed partly on the site of the church. A sentry was employed to prevent body snatching. This was common due to the lack of cadavers available. The old section of the Cruagh cemetery was used from the early 1700s to the mid 20th century.
An 1839 issue of the Dublin Weekly Register mentions the mortal remains of the Archbishop of Tuam. They were deposited in the family vault at the ancient church-yard of Cruagh. However no family vault can be found today. A new section of the cemetery opened around 1945. It is currently full.
Next to the entrance of the cemetery is a former subscription school. It served the area in the 19th century. It was built sometime before 1833. In the 1970s, it was converted into a home.
Cruagh itself is a small townland. Cruagh Wood boasts a great view of Dublin City and its surroundings from 522m. In 1659, Cruagh had a population of 22. Only 3 were Irish. By 1851, 180 people lived here. The population was 64 by 1911. A century later, it reached 204.
The parish of Cruagh includes the townlands of Cruagh. It also includes Glendoo, Jamestown, Newtown, Orlagh, Tibradden, Woodtown and Killakee. Each holds its own unique history.
Tibradden is home to a rock where Daniel O’Connell gave an address in 1843. Tibradden House was built in 1859. Near Tibradden Mountain’s summit is a 4000-year-old chambered cairn.
Woodtown dates back to the 16th century. It features Woodtown Park and Woodtown Manor. Woodtown Park was built around 1700 as a farmhouse.
Just below the Hell Fire Club ruins in Killakee lies Orlagh. It was constructed in 1790 and was sold to the Augustinian Order in 1872.
Newtown begins at Mount Venus Cemetery and ends at Boden Park estate. In the 19th century it was home to a number of mills.
Jamestown contains mostly farmland. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 it suffered heavy losses.
Cruagh’s story is one of resilience, faith, and community. As we stand here let’s take a moment to appreciate the layers of history that converge in this unique place.