Merchants Quay is a vibrant, historic stretch along the south bank of the River Liffey in Dublin's bustling city centre, known for its medieval landmarks like the restored Dublin City Gate and the iconic Franciscan Adam and Eve Church, which has served the community since the 1800s. It's home to Merchants Quay Ireland, a heartfelt charity offering meals, rehab, and support for those facing homelessness and addiction, giving the area a compassionate, resilient spirit amid the urban energy. You'll find a mix of young professionals, students, and a diverse crowd drawn to its central location near Temple Bar and the Liberties, with a lively yet gritty feel from the riverside walks and nearby pubs.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
18,460
Census 2022
Owner occupied
27.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 18,460, Merchants Quay is a densely packed city centre hub where low home ownership at 27.9% and high renting at 43.5% reflect a transient, urban lifestyle popular with young renters rather than families settling down. The elevated crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000—well above the national average—signals a busier, edgier environment typical of Dublin's core, so it's best for those comfortable with city vibrancy and who prioritise location over quiet suburbs.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Merchants Quay vs national average (%)
Merchants Quay
National
The youthful profile, with just 11.8% under 14 and 7.5% over 65 compared to higher national averages, paints a picture of an energetic community buzzing with working adults and students rather than young families or retirees.
Under 14
11.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
7.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.3% / 49.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
vs national average
At work
Here
59.1%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
7.6%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
18.9%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.5%
National
6.6%
Residents are actively employed at 59.1%, slightly above average, with a modern twist of 11.4% working from home, suggesting a professional crowd thriving in flexible, city-based jobs.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
47.5%
National
39.2%
High third-level education at 47.5% points to a well-educated, ambitious population likely including graduates, tech workers, and creatives who value the area's cultural access and networking opportunities.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
162% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
125.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kevin Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000 — 162% 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 Kevin Street Garda subdistrict (population 34,549), which covers Merchants Quay and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
How people travel to work
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
11.4%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
15.7%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
13.0%
National
62.4%
This is far from car-dependent, with 45.7% having no car and strong public transport use at 15.7%—double the national average—making it ideal for walkers, cyclists, and Luas or bus commuters right in the heart of Dublin. Driving to work is rare at just 13%, thanks to the unbeatable central location.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
Ethnicity
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
54.4%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
44.0%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
33.1%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
30.3%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
19.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
19.8%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.7%
National
4.1%
'Merchants Quay' translates from Irish as 'Cé na gCeannaithe,' meaning the quay or wharf of the merchants, highlighting its medieval roots as a thriving riverside trading hub on the Liffey where merchants unloaded goods from sailing ships. This name evokes the area's commercial history, from bustling docks to today's charitable heart, tying it to Dublin's evolution as a port city.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
27.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
43.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
17.2%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
14.8%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
13.1%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
38.4%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
61.4%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
45.7%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
6.1%
National
41.5%
Apartments and flats dominate at 61.4%, fuelling the high rental scene at 43.5% versus low ownership, perfect for short-term renters seeking modern city pads with Liffey views over traditional family homes.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
70.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
18.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Merchants Quay vs National (%)
Merchants Quay
National
Good or very good health at 70.9% is a bit below average, possibly linked to the area's urban pace, support services for vulnerabilities, and higher crime, but it reflects a resilient community accessing city healthcare and wellness options.

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