Bohernabreena is a picturesque residential area in South Dublin nestled in the Glenasmole Valley, renowned for its stunning natural setting surrounded by Dublin Mountains peaks like Seefingan, Corrig and Kippure. The area is home to the Bohernabreena Reservoir, which supplies water to Dublin homes and serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation, with the Dublin Mountains Way walking trail hugging its shores. It's a place where rural character meets suburban convenience, attracting families and those seeking a connection to nature while remaining within commuting distance of Dublin city.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
4,613
Census 2022
Owner occupied
71.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 4,613, Bohernabreena is a tight-knit, family-oriented community where homeownership is notably strong at 71.9% — well above the national average — reflecting a stable, settled population. However, the crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 54.1, which is an important consideration for prospective residents.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Bohernabreena vs national average (%)
Bohernabreena
National
The community skews younger than the national average, with 24% of residents under 14 compared to 19.7% nationally, while only 8.8% are over 65, suggesting Bohernabreena is particularly attractive to families with children.
Under 14
24.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
8.8%
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
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Bohernabreena has a notably active workforce with 61.3% at work — above the national average of 56.1% — though residents are more car-dependent for employment, with 68% driving to work compared to the national average of 62.4%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Education levels are slightly below the national average at 36.2% with third-level qualifications compared to 39.2% nationally, indicating a mixed educational profile across the community.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
31% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
72.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Tallaght Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 — 31% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Tallaght Garda subdistrict (population 96,949), which covers Bohernabreena and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
How people travel to work
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Bohernabreena is a car-dependent area, with 68% of workers driving to work and only 7% having no car access — well below the national average of 13.4% — reflecting its rural-suburban location southwest of Tallaght. While public transport usage is marginally above average at 8.6%, the area's distance from Dublin city centre and limited public transport options make a personal vehicle essential for most residents.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
Ethnicity
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
35.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Bohernabreena derives from the Irish 'Bothair na Breena,' meaning 'the road of the women' or possibly referring to a woman's name, reflecting the area's deep historical roots in Irish culture and landscape. The name evokes the ancient pathways and settlements that have existed in this valley for centuries, connecting the modern community to its Gaelic heritage and the timeless character of the Dublin Mountains.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
71.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
8.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
14.4%
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
The housing stock is predominantly detached and semi-detached homes, with just 3.8% living in flats or apartments versus 13% nationally, reflecting the area's suburban, family-home character with very high owner-occupation at 71.9%.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
83.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.9%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Bohernabreena vs National (%)
Bohernabreena
National
Residents report excellent health outcomes, with 83.7% reporting good or very good health — slightly above the national average — suggesting an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle supported by the area's natural amenities.