Rush is a charming coastal town in Fingal, just 20 minutes north of Dublin, known for its sandy white beaches stretching along the Irish Sea with stunning views of Lambay Island, a bird sanctuary. It's a friendly, family-oriented spot with a relaxed seaside vibe, historic Martello towers, Iron Age forts at Drumanagh, a links golf club, and the lively Millbank Theatre hosting local shows—perfect for young families, watersports enthusiasts like kitesurfers, and those seeking a peaceful escape with easy city access. The community buzzes with tidy towns initiatives and a real sense of local pride in its natural beauty and heritage.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
10,875
Census 2022
Owner occupied
71.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 10,875, Rush feels like a welcoming small town rather than a bustling suburb, boasting a high home ownership rate of 71.1% that speaks to stable, rooted families investing in their future here. Its crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000 is slightly below the national average, suggesting a safe, secure place to settle down.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rush vs national average (%)
Rush
National
Rush has a youthful energy with 22.3% under 14—higher than average—and just 11.3% over 65, painting a picture of a vibrant community full of growing families and active kids rather than retirees.
Under 14
22.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.7% / 51.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Residents are productively employed at 58.8%, with more working from home than average at 12.6%, pointing to a balanced economic scene where flexible jobs mix with traditional work in this commuter-friendly spot.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 37.4% with third-level education, Rush folks are well-qualified and ambitious, just shy of the national average, which suggests a thoughtful, upwardly mobile community keen on opportunities.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
55.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Lusk Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Lusk Garda subdistrict (population 21,457), which covers Rush and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
How people travel to work
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most drive to work at 61.2%, but impressive public transport use of 15.2%—double the national figure—means Rush is better connected than many areas, with DART links to Dublin; it's not overly car-dependent thanks to these options and low no-car households at 8.3%.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
Ethnicity
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
38.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Rush' comes from the Irish 'Ros Eó', meaning 'wooded promontory' or 'point of the yew tree', hinting at an ancient landscape of wooded headlands along this coastal stretch before it became the open beaches we love today. Though Irish speakers aren't highlighted in recent stats, the name ties Rush to Ireland's Gaelic roots and its historic promontory features like Drumanagh.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
71.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
14.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
9.9%
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 71.1% with low private renting of 14.1%, and mostly houses over flats at just 5.9%, Rush offers a settled, suburban housing mix ideal for families wanting space and stability.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rush vs National (%)
Rush
National
Excellent health reported by 85.3% reflects a healthy, outdoor lifestyle boosted by coastal walks, beaches, and active pursuits like kitesurfing, beating the national average.