Saggart is a charming heritage village in South Dublin, nestled between the N7, Rathcoole, Citywest, and Tallaght, blending its historic roots with rapid modern growth—its population doubled since 2011, making it one of Ireland's fastest-expanding spots. You'll find a welcoming community vibe around the newly revamped civic plaza on Main Street, with Jacob's Bar pouring pints since 1901, the handy Citywest Shopping Centre for daily needs, and easy access to the Slade Valley walking trails and reservoir for peaceful escapes. It's a family-oriented place with young professionals and growing families drawn to its proximity to Dublin while enjoying village life.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
5,479
Census 2022
Owner occupied
52.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
120.3
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just 5,479, Saggart feels like a close-knit village rather than a bustling town, where home ownership at 52.6% lags behind the national 65.9% average amid higher private renting at 26.9%, suggesting a dynamic mix of newcomers and investors. The crime rate of 120.3 per 1,000—over twice the national average of 54.1—might give pause, but it's often linked to its fast growth and location near major roads, so it's worth chatting with locals for the real feel.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Saggart vs national average (%)
Saggart
National
Saggart buzzes with young energy, boasting 32.1% under 14 versus the national 19.7%, and just 6.1% over 65 compared to 15.1%, painting a picture of a vibrant, family-focused community full of kids and working parents.
Under 14
32.1%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
55.6% / 44.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking neighbourhood where 66.7% are employed—higher than the national 56.1%—with 11.2% working from home matching the average, showing a mix of office-goers and flexible remote workers fueling local growth.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Residents here punch above their weight educationally, with 43.6% holding third-level degrees exceeding the national 39.2%, hinting at a skilled, ambitious crowd attracted to tech hubs and business campuses nearby like Citywest.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
120.3
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
122% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
101.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Rathcoole Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 120.3 per 1,000 — 123% 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 Rathcoole Garda subdistrict (population 16,740), which covers Saggart and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
How people travel to work
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks drive to work at 54.1%, a bit below the national 62.4%, but public transport use shines at 12.9% versus 7.9% nationally, thanks to good bus links from the N7 area—though with only 9.2% carless, it's still somewhat car-reliant, balanced by walkable village improvements.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
Ethnicity
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
22.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Saggart comes from the Irish 'Teach Sagard,' meaning 'house of the priest,' nodding to its ancient ecclesiastical history with early church ruins nearby that shaped the village's heritage. This priestly origin reflects the area's pastoral landscape of valleys and reservoirs, evoking a timeless rural Irish spirit even as it modernizes.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
52.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
26.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
11.3%
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
Expect a modern rental-heavy scene with 26.9% private renting and 45.3% in flats or apartments—far above the national 13%—alongside 52.6% owner-occupiers, reflecting new developments catering to young families and commuters near Citywest.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
67.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
10.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Saggart vs National (%)
Saggart
National
Health stats show 67.8% in good or very good health, below the national 82.9%, possibly tied to its youthful, active demographic and ongoing growth stresses, but the walking trails and green spaces encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle.