Dubber is a compact, modern suburban neighbourhood on the northern fringe of Dublin in Fingal, blending remnants of its rural past like Dubber House and Dubber Cross with new housing estates near Finglas and the M50. It's a lively residential spot popular with young families and professionals drawn to its proximity to Dublin Airport and the city, offering a mix of quiet green pockets and urban convenience without nearby shops or services. You'll find a youthful, diverse community here, evolving from old townlands into a buzzing commuter haven.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,941
Census 2022
Owner occupied
41.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 7,941, Dubber feels like a vibrant small suburb full of energy rather than a sleepy village, marked by high renting at 36.9% versus the national 65.9% ownership—suggesting a transient, upwardly mobile crowd in new builds. The crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000 is slightly above the national 54.1, so it's wise to stay vigilant, but overall it paints a picture of a developing area with typical urban-edge challenges.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Dubber vs national average (%)
Dubber
National
A whopping 24.7% under 14 and just 2.1% over 65 creates a super youthful community buzzing with families, kids playing, and school runs—far more energetic than the national average.
Under 14
24.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
2.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.9% / 51.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Folks here are ambitious go-getters, with 69.6% at work compared to the national 56.1%, though only 2.5% retired, pointing to a hardworking, career-focused vibe with lower home working at 6.9%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 39.6% with third-level education—right on par with the national 39.2%—residents are well-qualified professionals likely in tech, aviation, or city jobs, bringing a smart, cosmopolitan edge to the neighbourhood.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Finglas Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Finglas Garda subdistrict (population 55,083), which covers Dubber and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
How people travel to work
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 47.1% drive to work like most Irish folks, Dubber punches above with 22.2% on public transport—way higher than the national 7.9%—making it commuter-friendly near the M50 and airport links, though 15.8% without a car means good bus options help. It's not fully car-dependent, giving flexibility for city-bound workers.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
Ethnicity
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
22.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Dubber' comes from the Irish 'Dubair', meaning 'black water' or 'dark stream', hinting at ancient dark-flowing waters or boggy landscape in this once-rural townland in the Civil Parish of Santry. It evokes Dubber's historical roots as a quiet, watery fringe spot transformed into suburbia, connecting today's homes to old Gaelic heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
41.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
36.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
13.5%
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
Expect mostly modern flats and apartments at 67.7% versus Ireland's 13%, with low 41% owner-occupancy and high 36.9% private renting—perfect for young renters or families in new developments rather than traditional houses.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
79.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Dubber vs National (%)
Dubber
National
Good health reported by 79.2% is solid but a tad below the 82.9% national average, likely reflecting a busy, active lifestyle among working families with lots of kids and fewer retirees.