The Ward in Fingal is a welcoming civil parish in the historic Castleknock barony, nestled along the scenic Ward River that winds through lush valleys south of Swords, offering peaceful hikes in the Ward River Valley Regional Park with its ancient heritage sites, follies, and spots for fishing or dog walks. It's a family-oriented spot with a vibrant suburban feel, home to young professionals and growing families drawn to its green spaces and proximity to Dublin, yet retaining a quiet rural charm amid modern developments. Known locally as a hidden gem for outdoor adventures, it's where Swords locals escape for nature trails and picnics by the salmon-rich river.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
12,884
Census 2022
Owner occupied
58.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
64.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 12,884, The Ward feels like a thriving, close-knit community that's growing steadily, boasting a solid 58% homeownership rate that's slightly below the national average but still signals stability for families putting down roots. The crime rate of 64.1 per 1,000 is a touch above the national 54.1, but in this green, community-focused area, it's often minor issues in a place where neighbors look out for each other.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
The Ward vs national average (%)
The Ward
National
The Ward buzzes with youthful energy, with 29% under 14—well above the national 19.7%—and just 2.5% over 65 compared to 15.1% nationally, painting a picture of a lively, family-packed neighborhood full of kids' laughter and school runs.
Under 14
29.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
2.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
51.0% / 49.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking, ambitious area where 66.4% are employed—higher than the national 56.1%—with a young workforce driving the local economy, though the low 3.3% retirement rate underscores its focus on active careers over golden years.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting 45.5% with third-level education above the national 39.2%, The Ward attracts smart, upwardly mobile folks who value learning, suggesting a community that's innovative, professional, and geared toward future success.
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 The Ward and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
How people travel to work
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most residents—60.5%—drive to work, close to the national average, making it somewhat car-dependent but with only 5.8% carless versus 13.4% nationally, so getting around is straightforward. Public transport shines at 14.5% usage, double the 7.9% national figure, thanks to handy buses like the 41 from Dublin, plus 9.3% working from home for that flexible lifestyle.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
Ethnicity
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
28.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'The Ward' comes from the Irish 'An Bharda,' meaning 'the slope' or 'the incline,' likely nodding to the gentle river valley terrain shaped by the Ward River (Abhainn an Bharda) that defines the landscape. This name whispers of the area's deep Gaelic roots, tied to Norman history and ancient chapelries like St. Brigid's, evoking a timeless connection to the land even as modern families flourish here.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
58.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
26.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.1%
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
Homes here lean toward family houses with 58% owner-occupied and 26.7% private renting—higher than the national 18%—while 12.6% flats match the average, offering a mix perfect for young families buying their first home or renters seeking space near green parks.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
82.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
10.4%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
The Ward vs National (%)
The Ward
National
Residents enjoy excellent health at 82.8% rating good or very good—right on par with the national 82.9%—reflecting an active outdoor lifestyle along the river trails and in the parks that keeps everyone fit and happy.