Firhouse is a welcoming suburban gem nestled in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains along the River Dodder, blending a peaceful rural charm with easy city access—think scenic walks in Dodder Valley Park, family sports at the Community Centre, and a tight-knit community of settled families with older kids. It's known for its local vibe, with hubs like Firhouse Shopping Centre, pubs such as The Speaker Connolly, and active clubs from GAA's St Anne's to Carmel Football Club, making it perfect for outdoorsy families who love mountain biking or reservoir adventures nearby. Residents here enjoy a more established, family-focused feel than busier Tallaght, with many homes pre-2000 adding to that homely stability.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
13,854
Census 2022
Owner occupied
82.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 13,854, Firhouse feels like a thriving yet cosy community of homeowners—82.8% owner-occupied well above the national 65.9% average—suggesting stable, family-rooted neighbourhoods. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000 versus the national 54.1 makes it one of South Dublin's safer spots, ideal for those seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Firhouse vs national average (%)
Firhouse
National
A youthful 21.8% under 14 tops the national 19.7% average, paired with just 12.6% over 65 below the 15.1% norm, painting a vibrant picture of family-heavy streets buzzing with school runs and kids' sports.
Under 14
21.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.6%
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
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Firhouse buzzes with professionals—62.2% at work above the 56.1% average, 16.4% working from home beating 11.3% nationally—showing a modern, flexible workforce that's economically solid and family-oriented.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 59.5% with third-level education dwarfs the 39.2% national figure, hinting at a highly skilled, ambitious community that's great for career-driven families and top schools.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
37% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
37.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict, which covers Firhouse, records a crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 — 37% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict (population 55,667), which covers Firhouse and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
How people travel to work
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks—62.2%—drive to work much like the national average, with only 3.3% carless versus 13.4%, confirming it's a car-friendly suburb; that said, 11.6% use public transport above 7.9% nationally, with handy buses like the 49 and S6 linking to Tallaght and Dublin city centre.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
Ethnicity
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
46.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Firhouse comes from the Irish 'Teach na Giúise,' meaning 'house of the fir tree,' nodding to the area's wooded, rural past with mills along the Dodder before it grew into a suburb. It evokes the fir-dotted landscapes of old hamlets that dotted the riverbanks, connecting today's green parks to centuries of natural heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
82.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
11.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
3.2%
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 82.8% with low 11.3% private renting and just 5.9% flats versus 13% nationally, Firhouse is packed with established family homes—think semi-detached houses in spots like Woodlawn—appealing to buyers seeking roots over transient rentals.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
91.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Firhouse vs National (%)
Firhouse
National
A stellar 91.1% reporting good or very good health tops the 82.9% average, reflecting an active lifestyle fuelled by mountain trails, river parks, and sports clubs that keep everyone fit and happy.