Kinsealy is a peaceful, semi-rural village in Fingal with a close-knit community feel, nestled between Swords and Malahide, known for its green spaces, historic charm, and family-friendly vibe. It's home to professionals, families, and retirees who appreciate the quiet lanes, nearby farms from the old Teagasc centre, and initiatives like the successful Quiet Streets pilot in Drynam that made streets safer for kids to play. Despite some local pushback on new housing developments, it retains a distinctive rural character amid Fingal's growth.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
906
Census 2022
Owner occupied
77.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
With a small population of just 906, Kinsealy feels like a tight-knit community where 77.5% home ownership far exceeds the national average, suggesting stability and roots for families. The low crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000 residents is slightly better than average, making it a safe spot to settle down.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Kinsaley vs national average (%)
Kinsaley
National
A youthful 23.6% under 14 combined with 15.3% over 65 creates a balanced, vibrant community full of kids' energy and wise retirees looking out for neighbours.
Under 14
23.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
44.5% / 55.5%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over two-thirds are at work with a high 19.2% working from home, painting a picture of professionals in stable jobs who value flexibility in this commuter-friendly spot.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 56.4% holding third-level degrees well above the national 39.2%, Kinsealy attracts educated families who prioritise learning and likely contribute to its professional vibe.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
50.7
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Coolock Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Coolock Garda subdistrict (population 69,268), which covers Kinsaley and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
How people travel to work
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While nearly half drive to work, strong public transport use at 17.8% and low no-car households at 4.1% show good bus links to Dublin and Swords, though a car helps for rural errands. It's not overly car-dependent, with bike-friendly initiatives like Quiet Streets boosting walkability.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
Ethnicity
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
40.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Kinsealy derives from the Irish 'Cionn Sailí', meaning 'head of the willow tree or sallow wood', evoking its historic landscape of willow-lined streams and fertile fields near the coast. This nods to centuries-old rural heritage in Fingal, with wooded areas and waterways shaping its enduring village identity.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
77.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
4.1%
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
Mostly owner-occupied homes with few flats at 11.6%, Kinsealy offers a suburban-rural mix of family houses, though new affordable units are planned on the old Teagasc site.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
8.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Kinsaley vs National (%)
Kinsaley
National
Excellent health reported by 81.9% aligns with national levels, suggesting active lifestyles amid green spaces and safe streets for walking and cycling.