Dublin City is the vibrant heart of Ireland, a bustling coastal gem where the River Liffey meets the Irish Sea, blending historic Georgian squares with lively pubs and modern tech hubs. It's a dynamic urban haven known for its literary legacy, world-class festivals, and endless energy, drawing young professionals, international students, and families who thrive on its cultural buzz and coastal charm. With 48 diverse local areas from trendy Temple Bar to serene Phoenix Park, it offers something for everyone seeking that perfect mix of tradition and innovation.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
592,713
Census 2022
Owner occupied
47.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
128.1
National avg: 54.1
Home to 592,713 residents, Dublin City punches above its weight as Ireland's economic powerhouse, boasting higher employment rates and education levels than the national average, though home ownership lags behind at 47.3% compared to 65.9% nationwide, reflecting a fast-paced rental market fueled by young workers and global talent.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Dublin City vs national average (%)
Dublin City
National
Under 14
14.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.4%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.2% / 50.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Dublin City's younger profile shines with 14.9% under 14 (below the 19.7% national average) and 13.4% over 65 (under 15.1%), fostering a lively, forward-looking community full of energy and ambition.

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
vs national average
At work
County
59.6%
National
56.1%
Retired
County
14.0%
National
15.9%
Student
County
10.8%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
County
4.8%
National
6.6%
A whopping 59.6% of residents are at work—higher than the national 56.1%—with 11.7% working from home (just edging the 11.3% average), painting a picture of a thriving, flexible economy buzzing with opportunity.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
County
44.1%
National
39.2%
With 44.1% holding third-level education (above the 39.2% national average), Dublin City attracts and nurtures a highly skilled, innovative crowd ready to tackle the world's challenges.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
How people travel to work
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
vs national average
Work from home
County
11.7%
National
11.3%
Public transport
County
19.4%
National
7.8%
Car / van
County
30.3%
National
62.4%
Public transport is a lifeline here, with 19.4% commuting that way (far exceeding the 7.9% national figure), making the city's efficient buses, Luas trams, and DART trains essential for navigating its 48 vibrant areas. Moderate traffic keeps things moving, supporting a connected, on-the-go lifestyle.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
Ethnicity
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
County
72.7%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
County
64.2%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
vs national average
Catholic
County
52.6%
National
68.8%
No religion
County
22.6%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
28.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
County
28.2%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
County
1.1%
National
4.1%
The name 'Dublin City' derives from the Irish 'Baile Átha Cliath,' meaning 'town of the ford of the hurdle,' referring to a shallow crossing on the River Liffey lined with woven hurdles for cattle herding. This nod to its Viking-era origins as a trading hub underscores the city's deep riverside history and enduring role as Ireland's gateway to the world.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
47.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
31.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
14.0%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
County
21.2%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
County
26.1%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
County
61.5%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
County
37.9%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
County
30.9%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
County
18.9%
National
41.5%
Owner-occupancy sits at 47.3%—below the national 65.9%—highlighting a renter-friendly city where apartments and shared homes dominate, perfect for the young and mobile but a challenge for long-term buyers.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Tables 12 self-reported health & smoking
Good or very good health
75.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Dublin City vs National (%)
Dublin City
National
Dublin's active, educated residents enjoy a high quality of life with good climate and moderate pollution, though healthcare access can feel stretched amid the city's hustle—stay proactive with local GPs and that famous Irish resilience.

Local areas in Dublin City

Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay