Finglas South is a vibrant, established neighbourhood in Dublin 11 with a strong sense of community and a prized 'village atmosphere' that sets it apart from many other Dublin suburbs. Home to around 12,500 residents, it's a diverse, family-oriented area that balances affordability with convenient access to the city centre, sitting roughly halfway between Dublin's heart and the M50 motorway. The neighbourhood is well-served by multiple bus routes and has hopes for future Luas connectivity, making it an increasingly attractive option for those seeking authentic Dublin community life without premium southside prices.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
12,475
Census 2022
Owner occupied
50.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
Finglas South is a moderately sized, established residential community where just over half of homes are owner-occupied—notably below the national average—suggesting a significant rental market and a neighbourhood in transition. The crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000 residents sits slightly above the national average, reflecting challenges common to many Dublin neighbourhoods, though the area's strong community identity and ongoing development efforts indicate a neighbourhood actively working to improve.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Finglas South vs national average (%)
Finglas South
National
The age profile is remarkably balanced and youthful, with nearly one in five residents under 14 and a below-average proportion of over-65s, suggesting Finglas South is attracting young families and working-age adults rather than becoming an aging community.
Under 14
19.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
14.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.0% / 52.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
vs national average
At work
Here
53.1%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
15.0%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
9.8%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
6.6%
National
6.6%
Employment levels are slightly below the national average at 53.1%, and notably fewer residents work from home compared to the national figure, suggesting this is a neighbourhood where people tend to commute out for work rather than work locally.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
14.7%
National
39.2%
Third-level education attainment at 14.7% is significantly below the national average of 39.2%, indicating this is a neighbourhood with lower formal educational qualifications, which may reflect both its affordability and its appeal to working-class and trade-skilled communities.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Finglas Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Finglas Garda subdistrict (population 55,083), which covers Finglas South and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
How people travel to work
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
4.1%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
20.1%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
43.2%
National
62.4%
Finglas South is notably less car-dependent than most Dublin areas, with over a quarter of households having no car and public transport use double the national average, making it well-suited to those who prefer or need to rely on buses and future transit options. However, 43% of workers still drive, suggesting the area benefits from good road access while remaining accessible to those without vehicles.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
Ethnicity
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
85.6%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
72.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
66.6%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
10.4%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
18.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
18.8%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.6%
National
4.1%
Finglas comes from the Irish 'Fionnghlas,' meaning 'fair stream' or 'bright stream,' a name rooted in the area's landscape and water features that have shaped its character for centuries. The name reflects the neighbourhood's historical connection to the natural environment, even as it has developed into a modern suburban community, and speaks to the enduring sense of place that residents value today.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
50.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
27.4%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
23.9%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
26.8%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
84.7%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
15.3%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
26.9%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
16.1%
National
41.5%
The housing market is mixed, with half the homes owner-occupied and a slightly higher proportion of flats and apartments than the national average, creating a diverse housing stock that appeals to both families seeking affordable homes and renters looking for entry-level properties.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
69.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
11.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
18.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Finglas South vs National (%)
Finglas South
National
Health outcomes are noticeably below the national average, with 69.2% reporting good or very good health compared to 82.9% nationally, suggesting the neighbourhood faces some health and wellbeing challenges that may reflect broader socioeconomic factors.

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