Inns Quay is a bustling riverside neighbourhood on Dublin's Northside along the Liffey, home to the Four Courts and a mix of historic law courts, modern apartments, and lively quayside spots. It's got that energetic city vibe with professionals, young renters, and a diverse crowd enjoying the proximity to the city centre, Smithfield markets, and easy walks to O'Connell Street. You'll find a blend of solicitors rushing between hearings, baristas serving coffee in trendy cafes, and locals soaking up the urban buzz without the Temple Bar chaos.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
11,657
Census 2022
Owner occupied
22.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 11,657, Inns Quay is a compact, vibrant urban pocket that's predominantly rental-heavy at 50.3% compared to the national 18%, suggesting a transient community of young workers and students rather than long-term families. The elevated crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000—over twice the national average—points to typical city centre challenges like petty theft, so staying vigilant is key, especially near the busy quays.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Inns Quay vs national average (%)
Inns Quay
National
The low share of under-14s at 7.8% and over-65s at 11% crafts a youthful, working-age community full of energy and fewer school runs or quiet retiree paces.
Under 14
7.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
53.4% / 46.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half the residents are employed at 53.1%, with a notable 8.2% working from home, painting a picture of a professional crowd in legal, tech, or office roles suited to this central location.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 35.2% is solid and close to the national average, hinting at a well-read populace of graduates drawn to the area's courts, offices, and city access.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
154% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
121.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Mountjoy Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 — 154% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Mountjoy Garda subdistrict (population 20,903), which covers Inns Quay and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
How people travel to work
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is no car-dependent spot—46% have no car and driving to work is just 12%, while 19.6% use public transport, making it perfect for Luas trams, buses, or a brisk walk to the office along the Liffey. It's all about that seamless urban flow.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
Ethnicity
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
16.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Inns Quay' derives from the Irish 'Cé na Tábhairne,' meaning 'Quay of the Inns' or 'Tavern Quay,' nodding to the historic coaching inns and taverns that once lined the Liffey here for travellers and merchants. It evokes the area's deep roots as a lively waterfront hub for trade, law, and socialising since medieval times, long before the grand Four Courts rose in the 18th century.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
22.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
50.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
14.4%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Owned outright
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Flat/Apartment
Cars per household
No car
Two or more cars
Expect mostly flats and apartments at 59.7% with low owner-occupancy of 22.1%, ideal for renters seeking modern city living right by the water without the commitment of buying.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
59.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Inns Quay vs National (%)
Inns Quay
National
Good or very good health at 59.8% is below the national 82.9%, likely reflecting the fast-paced urban life, but the active community thrives on walks, cycling paths, and fresh quayside air.
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