Oldtown is a charming rural village in Fingal, nestled in a shallow valley along the Daws River, surrounded by lush farmland and ancient stone walls that give it a timeless, peaceful feel. With its mix of 19th-century stone cottages, a thatched redevelopment, and the quirky corrugated Oldtown Local Hall, it's home to farming families, GAA enthusiasts at the historic Wild Geese club, and a tight-knit community that cherishes its early Christian ruins like St. Patrick's Stone and 1798 rebellion memorials. It's the kind of place where everyone knows each other, kids play safely, and the air smells of fresh fields.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
523
Census 2022
Owner occupied
67.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
21.8
National avg: 54.1
Oldtown's small population of just 523 creates a close-knit, stable community where nearly 68% of homes are owner-occupied—higher than the national average—suggesting long-term residents who value roots over transient living. The impressively low crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000, well below the national 54.1, makes it one of the safest spots around, perfect for families seeking tranquillity.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Oldtown vs national average (%)
Oldtown
National
With 25.8% under 14—much higher than the national 19.7%—and only 10.1% over 65, Oldtown buzzes with young families and children, fostering a lively, family-oriented vibe.
Under 14
25.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
52.6% / 47.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over 58% are at work with a solid 12.9% working from home, painting a picture of a productive, flexible community tied to local agriculture and rural enterprises.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 34.2% with third-level education—close to the national 39.2%—residents bring a thoughtful, informed perspective that supports the village's community-driven spirit.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
21.8
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
60% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
21.3
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Garristown Garda subdistrict, which covers Oldtown, records a crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 — 60% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Garristown Garda subdistrict (population 5,193), which covers Oldtown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
How people travel to work
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent area, with 76.3% driving to work—higher than the national 62.4%—and low public transport use at 3.1%, reflecting its rural setting along the R122. Few households (just 4.6%) lack a car, so you'll love the independence if you enjoy country roads.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
Ethnicity
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
37.3%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Oldtown comes from the Irish 'An tSeanbhaile,' literally meaning 'the old homestead' or 'the old settlement,' hinting at its ancient roots as a longstanding rural hub amid farmland and valleys. This evokes a history of enduring farmstead communities, tying into its protected stone walls, narrow lanes, and early Christian heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
67.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
20.4%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 67.8% with minimal private renting at 9.9% and zero flats or apartments, Oldtown is all about spacious houses, bungalows, and dormers in a low-density, traditional rural style.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
86.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Oldtown vs National (%)
Oldtown
National
An impressive 86.2% report good or very good health—above the national 82.9%—suggesting a wholesome lifestyle shaped by fresh air, farming, and an active community life.