Drumcondra South is a vibrant, community-hearted neighbourhood on Dublin's Northside, blending leafy residential streets with the buzz of students from nearby DCU and St Patrick's College, families, and sports enthusiasts who flock to Croke Park for GAA matches. It's known for its friendly local pubs like Fagan's, scenic walks along the River Tolka and Royal Canal, and gems like the National Botanic Gardens, giving it a grounded, affluent yet unpretentious feel that's perfect for those seeking authentic Dublin life close to the city centre. You'll find a mix of young professionals, academics, and long-time locals who cherish its sports-loving spirit and easy access to everything from bargain eats to green spaces.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
11,149
Census 2022
Owner occupied
55.7%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 11,149, Drumcondra South feels like a lively yet manageable community that's more renting-focused at 34.4% compared to the national 18%, suggesting a dynamic mix of students and young workers alongside 55.7% owner-occupiers. The low crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000—well below the national average of 54.1—makes it a reassuringly safe spot for families or anyone new to the area.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Drumcondra South vs national average (%)
Drumcondra South
National
Younger than average with 15.1% under 14 and just 12.9% over 65, Drumcondra South buzzes with families, students, and working adults, creating an energetic community full of school runs, campus life, and weekend GAA excitement.
Under 14
15.1%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.9%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.1% / 51.9%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
vs national average
At work
Here
64.8%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
13.9%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
10.2%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.7%
National
6.6%
A hardworking area where 64.8% are employed and 14.6% work from home—higher than national averages—this neighbourhood suits ambitious professionals with its blend of office commuters and flexible remote workers.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
62.0%
National
39.2%
Boasting 62% with third-level education far above the national 39.2%, Drumcondra South attracts bright minds drawn to DCU and its intellectual vibe, fostering a cultured, forward-thinking community.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
35% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
33.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Clontarf Garda subdistrict, which covers Drumcondra South, records a crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000 — 35% below the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Clontarf Garda subdistrict (population 50,504), which covers Drumcondra South and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
How people travel to work
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
14.6%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
19.8%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
29.1%
National
62.4%
Far less car-dependent than most with only 29.1% driving to work versus the national 62.4%, and 26.3% carless, it's a walkable, public-transport haven—19.8% use buses or trains, perfect for easy city access via the rail line and roads without the hassle of parking.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
Ethnicity
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
76.1%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
70.0%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
53.7%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
28.6%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
41.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
2.0%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
41.2%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
2.0%
National
4.1%
'Drumcondra' comes from the Irish 'Droim Conrach,' meaning 'ridge of the stony hill or back,' reflecting the area's gently elevated landscape along the River Tolka that shaped its early settlement as a rural ridge community. This nod to its Gaelic roots hints at centuries of history from monastic times to today's vibrant suburb, even as modern Irish speakers are less prominent here.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
55.7%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
34.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
4.2%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
26.7%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
29.0%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
65.5%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
34.5%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
26.3%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
21.4%
National
41.5%
A mix of 55.7% owner-occupied homes and 34.4% private rentals, with 34.5% in flats or apartments well above the national 13%, offers flexible options from charming red-brick terraces to modern student pads near campus.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
84.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
14.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Drumcondra South vs National (%)
Drumcondra South
National
Residents enjoy good or very good health at 84.3% slightly above the national 82.9%, pointing to an active lifestyle boosted by nearby parks, canal walks, and the sports culture around Croke Park.

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