Palmerston Village is a charming, established suburb about 7 km west of Dublin city centre, nestled on the banks of the River Liffey near the junction of the M50 and N4. It's a traditional village with a settled, family-oriented community that has retained its character through a mix of older housing from the 1950s-60s and newer residential areas, with local amenities clustered around the historic Old Lucan Road. The area is known for its strong sense of community spirit, riverside location, and proximity to both shopping and recreational facilities like Waterstown Park and Stewarts Sports Complex.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,689
Census 2022
Owner occupied
85.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 3,689, Palmerston Village is a small, tight-knit community where home ownership is exceptionally high at 85.1% — well above the national average — suggesting long-term residents and strong neighbourhood stability. However, the crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average of 54.1, which is worth considering alongside the area's many positive qualities.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Palmerston Village vs national average (%)
Palmerston Village
National
The community skews noticeably older, with 22.2% over 65 compared to the national average of 15.1%, while children under 14 make up just 14.6% — indicating this is an area popular with retirees and established families rather than young families with small children.
Under 14
14.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
22.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment levels are slightly below the national average at 52.1%, but this is largely explained by the high retirement rate of 24.2%, suggesting a community with solid economic foundations and many residents in their later working years or retirement.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education attainment at 32.9% is below the national average of 39.2%, indicating a community with more varied educational backgrounds than the national norm.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
25% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
64.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 — 25% 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 Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict (population 32,849), which covers Palmerston Village and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
How people travel to work
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 55.2% of workers drive to work, Palmerston Village benefits from notably better public transport access than most Irish areas, with 18.7% commuting by public transport compared to just 7.9% nationally — a reflection of its proximity to Dublin and good bus connections. The area is well-served by road access via the M50 and N4, making it convenient for both car and public transport commuters.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
Ethnicity
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
36.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Palmerston takes its name from Aelred the Palmer, a 12th-century founder of the Augustinian Palmers' Monastery, who established the area in gratitude for his safe return from pilgrimage to the Holy Land — the name literally refers to the 'Palmer's Hospital' that once held these lands. This medieval heritage gives the village deep historical roots and explains why it has been known by this name for nearly 900 years, connecting the modern suburb to Dublin's rich monastic past.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
85.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.0%
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 overwhelmingly detached and semi-detached homes, with just 1.2% flats or apartments compared to 13% nationally, and private renting is minimal at 9%, creating a neighbourhood of owner-occupied family homes with strong residential stability.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
82.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Palmerston Village vs National (%)
Palmerston Village
National
Health outcomes are excellent, with 82.2% reporting good or very good health — matching the national average — and the riverside location with parks and sports facilities supports an active, healthy lifestyle.