Castleknock is an affluent, family-friendly suburb located 8 km west of Dublin city centre, positioned strategically between Phoenix Park and the Royal Canal in the Dublin 15 postal area. The neighbourhood has evolved around a historic village that now serves as a busy commercial hub with supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and excellent schools, attracting young families and professionals seeking suburban space with urban convenience. With a population of over 27,000, it's a vibrant, well-established community known for its detached homes, tree-lined streets and strong sense of neighbourhood spirit.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
27,322
Census 2022
Owner occupied
71.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
64.1
National avg: 54.1
Castleknock is a prosperous, settled area where nearly three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied — well above the national average — and the population of 27,322 reflects a mature, established community. The crime rate of 64.1 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 54.1, which is worth noting for those prioritising low-crime areas, though this may reflect the area's size and density rather than safety concerns.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Castleknock vs national average (%)
Castleknock
National
The community skews slightly younger than the national average, with 21.4% under 14 and just 12.7% over 65, suggesting a neighbourhood in its prime with many young families and working-age adults.
Under 14
21.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.0% / 51.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Castleknock is economically vibrant, with 62.1% of residents in employment — above the national average — and a notably high proportion (16.3%) working from home, reflecting the area's appeal to professionals seeking flexible working arrangements.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
The area stands out dramatically for educational attainment, with 62.8% holding third-level qualifications compared to just 39.2% nationally, indicating a highly educated, professional population.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
64.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Blanchardstown Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 64.1 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Blanchardstown Garda subdistrict (population 114,642), which covers Castleknock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
How people travel to work
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While Castleknock is primarily car-dependent with 52.9% driving to work, it benefits from better-than-average public transport access, with 17.7% using buses and trains compared to 7.9% nationally — Dublin Bus Routes 37 and 38 connect the area to the city centre. The M50 motorway and R147 Navan Road provide quick access for drivers, making it convenient for commuters in either direction.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
Ethnicity
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
44.7%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.2%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Castleknock's Irish name, Caisleán Cnucha, translates to 'Castle of the Hillock' or 'Hazel Castle', reflecting the area's Norman heritage when Hugh Tyrrel constructed a defensive castle here following the 1171 conquest. The name evokes the area's medieval roots and its position on elevated ground overlooking the Liffey valley, a landscape feature that remains central to its character today.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
71.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
22.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
2.1%
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
The housing market is dominated by owner-occupied detached homes (71.3% ownership), though there's a notable apartment and flat presence (20.3%) above the national average, offering a mix of family houses and smaller units for downsizers and first-time buyers.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
8.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Castleknock vs National (%)
Castleknock
National
Residents enjoy excellent health outcomes, with 88.4% reporting good or very good health — significantly above the national average of 82.9% — suggesting a healthy, active community with good access to leisure facilities and parks.