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The remains of tombs such as passage graves and dolmens in the hills around Tallaght tell us that the greater Tallaght area was populated at that time.
During this period of Irish history, burial practices gradually changed, with single burials in small structures called cists becoming more common. Graves like this have been found over a wide area around Tallaght in places such as Brittas, Saggart, Ballymount and Glencullen.
A number of ring forts have been found in the greater Tallaght area, which tells us that Iron Age people lived in the area.
Monasteries and holy sites existed in Tallaght where St. Maelruains church stands today, at Kilnamanagh, Glenasmole, Saggart and Clondalkin (where the round tower still stands).
You can still see the medieval bell-tower at St. Maelruains. This was once part of a medieval church which has since been destroyed. Most of the castles which once stood in Tallaght, as watch-posts of the edge of the Pale, have been destroyed. However, a Tower House, built in Medieval times, is still standing in the grounds of St. Marys Priory in Tallaght village. To read more: http://www.activate.ie/sites/sdublinlib/anglo.html
At this time Tallaght village was surrounded by walls, which were protected by a number of watch towers and castles.
1169 A castle was built in Kilnamanagh, on the site of the old monastery
1324-1349 The archbishops of Dublin built a stone castle on the site where St. Maelruains monastery once stood.
1888 The Dublin to Blessington tram had its first journey. It operated until 1932.