Mountjoy, in Dublin's North Inner City around the iconic Georgian Mountjoy Square, buzzes with a vibrant, urban energy that's drawing in young professionals and students thanks to its central location just a short stroll from the Liffey. It's known for its stunning neoclassical architecture, revitalized park with playgrounds, tennis courts, and community spaces, alongside a mix of educational hubs and filming spots for movies like Once. The neighborhood feels like a lively hub in transition, blending historic charm with modern apartment living and a diverse, youthful crowd.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
11,911
Census 2022
Owner occupied
6.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
81.5
National avg: 54.1
With nearly 12,000 residents packed into a compact 0.9 km² area, Mountjoy is a bustling urban enclave dominated by renters at over 56%—far above the national average—making it an affordable entry to city life, though its crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 edges higher than average, so staying aware is key.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Mountjoy vs national average (%)
Mountjoy
National
Mountjoy's youthful vibe shines through with just 4.2% over 65 and 15% under 14—much lower than national figures—creating a dynamic community full of working adults and families starting out.
Under 14
15.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
4.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
52.3% / 47.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The area hums with activity as 57.1% are employed, slightly above average, but with low retirement at 4.4% and modest work-from-home rates, it's a place where people are out and about contributing to the local buzz.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 33.9% with third-level education—close to the national 39.2%—Mountjoy attracts a thoughtful, ambitious crowd, fitting its proximity to colleges and creative spots around Mountjoy Square.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
81.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
51% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
81.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Fitzgibbon Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 — 51% 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 Fitzgibbon Street Garda subdistrict (population 29,226), which covers Mountjoy and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
How people travel to work
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Forget car dependency here—nearly 60% have no car and just 8.6% drive to work, while 26.3% rely on public transport, making Mountjoy perfect for those loving walkable streets, Dublin Bikes, and easy access to the city center.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
Ethnicity
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
8.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Mountjoy' derives from the Irish 'Cnoc Ómraí,' meaning 'Hill of the Golden Ridge' or 'Mount of Joy,' evoking its elevated Georgian prominence and the delight it once brought to 18th-century elites overlooking the city. This name hints at Mountjoy's historic landscape as a prestigious hilltop square, now revitalized to recapture that joyful, elevated spirit amid Dublin's inner city.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
6.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
56.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
25.4%
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
It's overwhelmingly a renter's paradise with 56.4% in private rentals and 86.9% in flats or apartments versus scarce 6.8% owner-occupied homes, offering trendy two-bed urban pads at accessible prices around €377K asking.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
63.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
20.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Mountjoy vs National (%)
Mountjoy
National
Health stats at 63.7% reporting good or very good health suggest a fast-paced urban lifestyle that might challenge some, but the active community parks and young demographic keep things energetic and resilient.
Other areas in Dublin City
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