Fingal, nestled just north of Dublin, is a delightful blend of vibrant urban hubs like Swords and Blanchardstown, picturesque seaside villages, and idyllic rural countryside stretching across 88km of stunning coastline from Balbriggan to Howth.[1][3] Its motto 'Flúirse Talaimh is Mara' (rich in land and sea) perfectly captures the abundance of sandy beaches, cliff walks, historic castles like Malahide and Ardgillan, and lush Liffey Valley parks that make it a haven for families, young professionals, and nature lovers seeking the best of city access and coastal charm.[1][6]
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
330,506
Census 2022
Owner occupied
67.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
95.1
National avg: 54.1
With a thriving population of 330,506 spread across 29 local areas, Fingal punches above its weight as one of Ireland's largest counties by residents, boasting slightly higher home ownership at 67.0% than the national 65.9% average, and robust economic activity with 60.5% at work versus the nation's 56.1%—painting a picture of a prosperous, family-oriented community close to Dublin's opportunities.[Census]
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Fingal vs national average (%)
Fingal
National
Under 14
22.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.2% / 50.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Fingal's youthful vibe shines through with 22.4% under 14 (above the 19.7% national average) and just 11.1% over 65 (below the 15.1% norm), fostering a lively, family-focused community brimming with energy and future potential.[Census]
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment is strong at 60.5%, with a modern twist as 12.4% work from home—higher than the 11.3% national figure—reflecting flexible, professional lifestyles in this commuter-friendly county near Dublin Airport and the city centre.[Census]
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
A impressive 45.0% of residents hold third-level qualifications, well above the national 39.2% average, underscoring Fingal's appeal to ambitious families and skilled workers drawn to its high-quality schools and proximity to top universities.[Census]
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
How people travel to work
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport is a standout at 17.1% usage—more than double the national 7.9%—thanks to excellent DART, bus, and rail links serving coastal spots like Malahide and urban centres, making car-free commuting to Dublin a breeze for many.[Census][5] Meanwhile, 12.4% enjoy the flexibility of working from home, blending seamlessly with the county's mix of remote rural idylls and bustling towns.[Census]
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
Ethnicity
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
35.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Fingal' derives from the Irish 'Fine Gall', meaning 'tribe of the foreigners', a nod to the Viking settlers who arrived by longboat and integrated into the area, leaving a legacy seen in the county's motto 'Flúirse Talaimh is Mara' (abundance of land and sea).[6] This seafaring history echoes in its 88km rugged coastline, fishing villages like Loughshinny, and strong ties to both ocean and fertile countryside.[1][2]
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
67.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
19.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.3%
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
Home ownership leads the way at 67.0%—edging out the national 65.9%—with a balanced housing mix supporting growing families in everything from suburban estates in Swords to charming village homes along the coast.[Census]
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Tables 12 self-reported health & smoking
Good or very good health
84.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Fingal vs National (%)
Fingal
National
The younger age profile with fewer seniors suggests a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by Fingal's 2,000 hectares of parkland, cliff walks, beaches, and water sports, keeping residents energized and outdoorsy.[Census][3]