Priorswood is a close-knit residential suburb in northern Coolock, Dublin 17, known for its community spirit amid ongoing regeneration efforts that are breathing new life into the area after past challenges. It's home to families, workers, and retirees living in mostly terraced houses near Dublin Airport, with handy local shops, schools, and green spaces like Belcamp Park offering a practical, down-to-earth vibe. Residents appreciate the strong sense of neighbourliness and improving amenities that make it feel like a welcoming spot for everyday living.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
14,675
Census 2022
Owner occupied
49.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 14,675, Priorswood is a sizable suburban community where just under half of homes are owner-occupied—lower than the national average—suggesting a mix of long-term locals and more transient renters, while the crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000 sits comfortably below the national average of 54.1, indicating a relatively safe place to call home. This points to an affordable, stable neighbourhood with good value properties around €350K for terraced houses.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Priorswood vs national average (%)
Priorswood
National
The age profile mirrors the national average closely, with nearly 20% under 14 and 12.7% over 65, painting a picture of a family-friendly community buzzing with kids and supported by a solid retiree presence.
Under 14
19.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.7% / 52.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
vs national average
At work
Here
53.2%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
12.9%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
9.4%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
7.4%
National
6.6%
Over half the working-age population is employed, slightly below average, with low work-from-home rates but a higher-than-average reliance on public transport, reflecting a practical, hands-on economic character in this airport-adjacent suburb.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
15.5%
National
39.2%
Third-level education stands at 15.5% compared to the national 39.2%, suggesting a community of skilled tradespeople and local workers rather than professionals, which fits the area's blue-collar roots and ongoing regeneration.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
50.7
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Coolock Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Coolock Garda subdistrict (population 69,268), which covers Priorswood and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
How people travel to work
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
4.5%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
18.7%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
48.8%
National
62.4%
Priorswood isn't overly car-dependent, with 27.4% of households carless—double the national rate—and a whopping 18.7% using public transport to work versus the country's 7.9%, thanks to solid bus links and proximity to Dublin Airport. Driving is common at 48.8%, but the options make it commuter-friendly for those without a car.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
Ethnicity
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
87.1%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
76.0%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
69.0%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
10.6%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
18.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
18.0%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.4%
National
4.1%
'Priorswood' derives from the Irish 'Coill na bPríomh' or more directly from the historic house 'Friarswood' (Coill na mBráthar), meaning 'wood of the priors' or 'friars' wood,' evoking the area's medieval monastic past with prior lands and wooded landscapes off Belcamp Lane. This nods to its rural origins before suburban development, tying into Coolock's ancient ecclesiastical history.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
49.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
11.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
33.1%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
26.2%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
23.8%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
80.3%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
18.0%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
27.4%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
22.2%
National
41.5%
Owner-occupancy is 49.9% with private renting at 11.5%, featuring plenty of two- and three-bedroom terraced houses and 18% flats or apartments—higher than average—offering affordable entry points in a mix of sturdy family homes.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
73.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
11.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Priorswood vs National (%)
Priorswood
National
Good or very good health is reported by 73.8%—below the national 82.9%—possibly linked to the working-class lifestyle, but the community focus and green spaces help promote active, healthy living.

Other areas in Dublin City

Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay