Ushers, nestled along the River Liffey in Dublin 8, is a vibrant, gritty city centre neighbourhood known for its mix of historic Georgian terraces, modern apartments, and ongoing regeneration projects that breathe new life into its quayside streets. It's home to a dynamic community of young professionals, students, and long-term locals, with spots like Ushers Island hosting vital services from Dublin Simon Community for those facing homelessness and addiction. Despite past labels as one of Dublin's less polished areas, its proximity to the bustling Temple Bar and Christchurch adds an exciting urban edge that's perfect for those craving central living with real character.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
18,799
Census 2022
Owner occupied
24.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of nearly 19,000, Ushers is a bustling inner-city hub where low home ownership at 24% and high private renting at 47% reflect a transient, renter-friendly scene popular with young workers, though the crime rate of 137 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a need for street smarts. This paints a picture of an affordable, lively spot undergoing positive change along the Liffey.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ushers vs national average (%)
Ushers
National
The younger skew with just 11% under 14 and 10% over 65 creates a youthful, energetic community full of working adults and fewer families or retirees compared to Ireland as a whole.
Under 14
11.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.7% / 49.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Ushers buzzes with activity, as 65% are employed—higher than average—and 13% work from home, pointing to a professional crowd thriving in this central location with solid job prospects.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Impressively high third-level education at 48% suggests a smart, ambitious population of graduates and professionals drawn to the area's urban opportunities 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
129.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kilmainham 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 Kilmainham Garda subdistrict (population 20,738), which covers Ushers and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
How people travel to work
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far from car-dependent, with 41% having no car and strong public transport use at 23%, Ushers is ideal for walkers and Luas riders, though 19% still drive—practical given the Liffey-side parking challenges.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
Ethnicity
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
21.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Ushers' derives from 'Ceis Uachtair', meaning 'Upper Quay' or 'Upper Ford' in Irish, reflecting its historical role as a key landing point on the Liffey for trade and ferries in medieval Dublin. This nods to the area's deep riverside roots, tying today's regenerated quays to centuries of commerce and connectivity.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
24.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
46.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
21.0%
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
Dominanted by 71% flats and apartments, it's a renter's paradise at 47% private lets versus just 24% owners, offering compact city homes at accessible prices around €250K average.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
70.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ushers vs National (%)
Ushers
National
While 70% report good health—below the national 83%—the area's active lifestyle and central vibe likely support wellbeing for its fit, working residents amid urban stresses.
Other areas in Dublin City
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