Glencullen is a charming, quiet village nestled high in the Dublin Mountains at around 300 metres elevation, in the scenic valley of the holly on the slopes of Two Rock Mountain, offering breathtaking views and fresh mountain air. It's famous for the iconic Johnnie Fox's Pub, established in 1798, where live traditional Irish music brings the place alive every night, drawing visitors while locals cherish its peaceful, community feel. Families, professionals, and outdoor lovers call it home, drawn to the hiking trails, historic standing stone nearby, and that perfect blend of rural tranquillity just 30 minutes from Dublin city.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
23,172
Census 2022
Owner occupied
63.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
32.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 23,172, Glencullen is a substantial suburban community in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown that's slightly more rental-heavy than average at 23% private renting versus 63.5% owner-occupied, suggesting a dynamic mix of long-term families and newer arrivals. The low crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000—well below the national 54.1—makes it a safe, welcoming spot where you can relax and feel secure.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Glencullen vs national average (%)
Glencullen
National
A youthful vibe shines through with 23.4% under 14 (above the national 19.7%) and just 6.1% over 65 (below 15.1%), painting a picture of a lively, family-oriented community buzzing with kids and active parents.
Under 14
23.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.6% / 51.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a thriving, professional area where 67% are at work (higher than the 56.1% national average), 18.9% work from home, and retirement is low at 7.1%, showing a hardworking crowd enjoying flexible, modern careers.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 64.6% have third-level education—far exceeding the national 39.2%—pointing to a highly skilled, ambitious community with great schools like St. Patrick's National School and plenty of brainpower for innovation.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
32.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
40% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
33.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Dundrum Garda subdistrict, which covers Glencullen, records a crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 — 40% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Dundrum Garda subdistrict (population 82,700), which covers Glencullen and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
How people travel to work
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 48.5% drive to work (a bit less than the national 62.4%), it's balanced by strong public transport use at 20.7% (double the 7.9% average) via the 44B bus from Dundrum Luas, plus Johnnie Fox's coach service, making it less car-dependent than many rural spots. With only 10.8% having no car, most enjoy easy access to Dublin without total reliance on driving.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
Ethnicity
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
39.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Glencullen comes from the Irish 'Gleann Cuilinn', meaning 'valley of the holly', perfectly capturing its lush, wooded glen dotted with holly trees in the Dublin Mountains. This nod to nature reflects the area's ancient rural heritage, from standing stones to its role in 19th-century rebellions, tying today's scenic village to Ireland's wild, green past.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
63.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
23.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
10.2%
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
Homes here lean towards a modern mix with 63.5% owner-occupied and 23% private renting, plus a high 35.9% in flats or apartments (versus 13% nationally), offering options from cosy mountain family houses to convenient apartments near the village amenities.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
89.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.9%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
10.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Glencullen vs National (%)
Glencullen
National
Folks here are in fantastic shape, with 89.9% reporting good or very good health (above the 82.9% national average), likely thanks to the fresh mountain air, hiking trails, and active family lifestyle.