What is recorded here
A monastery was founded in the 7th-century at Saggart (Teach Sagard) by St Moshagra (Moagra, Momhagra or Tagra), who was the son of Seanán of the Dál Meisin Corb and patron of the church at Glendalough (Ó Riain 2011, 498-9). The 3rd of March is the feastday of the saint who is associated with the church at Clonenagh [LA017-003001-], Co. Laois and the church at Killlynee [WI045-003001-], Co. Wicklow. He is also the patron saint of the church of Tomhaggard [Teach Moshagra WX047-052001-], Co. Wexford and was one of the signatories of the cáin or 'church tax' of Adhamhnán [Birr Synod]. The graveyard (DU021-034003-) of Saggart (Teach Sagard) has a raised interior and is oval in plan (dims. c. 70m N-S c. 52m E-W) which encloses Saggart church site (DU021-034002-), a cross-slab (DU021-034004-), two crosses (DU021-034006/007-) and a bullaun stone (DU021-034009-). There are traces of an inner fosse at the base of a slope running from N to SE (dims. Wth 5-7m x D 0.4m). The plan and circular-form of the graveyard indicates the probable existence of an ecclesiastical enclosure associated with St. Moshagra.
Compiled by: Geraldine Stout
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 24 March 2023
A local fairy fort (ringfort/rath) associated with the 7th-century monastery founded by St Moshagra, a patron of Glendalough and linked to early Christian settlement in the area. Local tradition may connect the site with fairy lore, as is common with such forts in Irish folklore.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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