Firhouse Village is a welcoming suburban gem in South Dublin, nestled along the River Dodder with stunning views of the Dublin Mountains, blending peaceful rural charm with handy city access just off the M50. It's known for its tight-knit community vibe, buzzing around the Firhouse Community and Leisure Centre with basketball, yoga, kids' clubs, and GAA teams like St Anne's, plus local spots like the Firhouse Shopping Centre for Supervalu runs and a pint at Speaker Connolly. Families and active professionals love it here for the Dodder Valley Park walks, mountain biking at Bohernabreena Reservoir, and excellent schools like Scoil Carmel.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
12,254
Census 2022
Owner occupied
76.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 12,254, Firhouse Village feels like a thriving yet cosy community where over three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national average—suggesting stability and pride of place. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000, compared to the national 54.1, makes it a reassuringly safe spot for families to settle down.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Firhouse Village vs national average (%)
Firhouse Village
National
A youthful energy pulses through Firhouse with 22.7% under 14—higher than the national 19.7%—and just 10.1% over 65 versus 15.1% nationally, painting a picture of a lively, family-oriented neighbourhood full of kids' laughter and school runs.
Under 14
22.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.8% / 51.2%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Firhouse buzzes with a strong working community where 61.9% are employed above the national 56.1%, a solid 12.5% work from home, and retirees make up a lower 11.6%, showing a dynamic mix of professionals keeping the area vibrant and forward-looking.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting 46.9% with third-level education—higher than the national 39.2%—Firhouse attracts ambitious families who value learning, supported by top local schools like Firhouse Community College and nearby IT Tallaght for higher education.
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 Village, 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 Village and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
How people travel to work
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks drive to work at 65.8%, slightly above average, reflecting the suburban setup, but only 4.9% have no car versus 13.4% nationally, and public transport use is a healthy 10.7% with handy buses to the city and Tallaght. It's not ultra car-dependent thanks to the M50 proximity and Dodder Valley paths for walkers.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
Ethnicity
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
42.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Firhouse' comes from the Irish 'Teach na Fíre', meaning 'house of the men' or 'house on the fir tree land', likely nodding to an old thatched house or wooded spot by the River Dodder where hardy locals once gathered. It evokes the area's deep rural roots, from mills and weirs powering Dublin's growth to today's mountain-fringed village haven.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
76.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
4.1%
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 towards family houses with 76.5% owner-occupied and just 16% renting—both better than national averages—and only 11.1% in flats, creating a settled, spacious feel amid mature trees and river views.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Firhouse Village vs National (%)
Firhouse Village
National
An impressive 88.6% report good or very good health—above the national 82.9%—hinting at an active lifestyle fueled by mountain trails, Dodder walks, community sports, and fresh air that keeps everyone feeling great.