Rathmines West is a lively, bohemian suburb just south of Dublin's city centre, buzzing with young professionals, students, and a diverse mix of residents who love its tree-lined Victorian streets, indie cafes, and the iconic Stella Cinema for art deco movie nights. It's got that perfect blend of historic red-brick terraces and modern apartments, with a strong community vibe around local pubs like Kodiak for craft beers and the MART Gallery in an old fire station. Known for its vibrant high street packed with eateries and shops, it's a welcoming spot where you'll feel the energy of Dublin without the full city chaos.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
22,667
Census 2022
Owner occupied
30.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
78.3
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 22,667, Rathmines West is a bustling urban village that's predominantly rental-heavy at 57% compared to the national 18%, attracting transient young renters over long-term owners who make up just 30.9% versus 65.9% nationally. The higher crime rate of 78.3 per 1,000 (above the national 54.1) reflects its lively nightlife and density, but it's still a safe, sought-after spot for many.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rathmines West vs national average (%)
Rathmines West
National
The younger skew with only 10.6% under 14 and 10.1% over 65 (below national averages of 19.7% and 15.1%) points to a dynamic community of working adults and students, full of energy and fewer family-oriented dynamics.
Under 14
10.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.7% / 51.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
vs national average
At work
Here
68.9%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
9.7%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
10.6%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.3%
National
6.6%
This area's economic pulse is strong with 68.9% at work (above the 56.1% national average) and 15.2% working from home (higher than 11.3%), painting a picture of ambitious professionals thriving in flexible, urban careers.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
67.0%
National
39.2%
An impressive 67% with third-level education (nearly double the 39.2% national average) suggests a smart, cosmopolitan crowd that's culturally engaged and professionally driven.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
78.3
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
45% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
77.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Rathmines Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 78.3 per 1,000 — 45% 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 Rathmines Garda subdistrict (population 21,577), which covers Rathmines West and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
How people travel to work
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
15.2%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
18.5%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
19.3%
National
62.4%
Rathmines West isn't car-dependent at all, with 38.9% having no car (far above the 13.4% national figure), 18.5% using public transport (double the 7.9% average), and just 19.3% driving (versus 62.4% nationally)—buses and the nearby Luas make city centre trips a breeze.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
Ethnicity
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
63.8%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
56.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
41.3%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
31.5%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.3%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
33.3%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.3%
National
4.1%
'Rathmines' comes from the Irish 'Ráth Maonais,' meaning 'ringfort of the descendants of Maon,' referring to an ancient circular earthwork fort that once stood here, hinting at its deep pre-Christian roots amid what was once open countryside south of the city. This name evokes Rathmines West's layered history, from monastic settlements to its Victorian boom as a prosperous suburb.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
30.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
57.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
5.0%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
13.9%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
17.0%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
41.5%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
56.7%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
38.9%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
16.3%
National
41.5%
Expect a renter's paradise with 57% in private rentals and 56.7% in flats or apartments (way above national averages), alongside those charming owner-occupied Victorian terraces that give it real character.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rathmines West vs National (%)
Rathmines West
National
Residents enjoy good or very good health at 80.2% (close to the 82.9% national average), hinting at an active lifestyle fueled by walkable streets, parks like Palmerston Park, and easy access to gyms like Swan Leisure Centre.

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