Terenure is a charming, leafy middle-class suburb in South Dublin with classic redbrick Victorian and 1940s-1950s family homes, wide streets, and a real village feel around Terenure Cross, once a bustling tram terminus mentioned in Ulysses. It's known for its strong community spirit, vibrant local shops, cafes, and pubs, plus gems like the 51-acre Bushy Park for walks and markets, and it's home to Dublin's main synagogue and a diverse mix of families, professionals, retirees, and historically some of the city's Jewish community. People who grow up here often stay or return, drawn by the safe, self-contained vibe near Rathgar and Rathfarnham.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
17,972
Census 2022
Owner occupied
77.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 17,972, Terenure feels like a thriving yet cosy suburb where 77.5% home ownership beats the national average, pointing to stable, family-oriented roots and a premium property market for mid-range homes around €600,000-€700,000. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000—well below the national 54.1—makes it one of Dublin's safer spots, ideal for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Terenure vs national average (%)
Terenure
National
Terenure's age profile skews mature with 19.7% over 65 (above the 15.1% national average) and fewer under-14s at 16.4%, suggesting a settled community of retirees and established families rather than a young, bustling one.
Under 14
16.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
19.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.9% / 52.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Professionals here are active with 58.7% at work and a high 14.9% working from home, while 21.1% retirees reflect a comfortable, balanced economic character in this desirable suburb.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 54.3% have third-level education—well above the 39.2% national average—suggesting a professional, affluent community with high skills and aspirations.
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
34.1
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Terenure Garda subdistrict, which covers Terenure, 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 Terenure Garda subdistrict (population 34,215), which covers Terenure and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
How people travel to work
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 43.8% drive to work, it's notably lower than the national 62.4% and 16.7% have no car, showing less car-dependence than average; strong public transport use at 13.9% (double the national 7.9%) makes it easy to hop on buses from the village to the city centre.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
Ethnicity
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
42.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Terenure comes from the Irish Tír an Iúir, meaning 'land of the yew tree,' evoking its historical wooded landscape with ancient yews that once dotted the area before it became the suburb called Roundtown in the 1800s. This nod to nature ties into today's green spaces like Bushy Park, reminding us of its rural roots amid the city.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
77.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.7%
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 77.5% with just 16.2% renting and only 10.6% in flats, Terenure is all about spacious family houses—think 1940s semis with gardens and extension potential—rather than apartments.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
86.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Terenure vs National (%)
Terenure
National
86.5% report good or very good health (above the 82.9% national average), painting a picture of a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by parks like Bushy and the area's walkable village amenities.