Kilbeggan is a charming, small town of about 1,575 people nestled on the River Brosna in south County Westmeath, surrounded by the rolling Esker Riada hills left by ancient glaciers—it's got that peaceful rural Irish vibe with a proud heritage, including Europe's oldest recorded tornado and the historic Old Kilbeggan Distillery powered by the river. Locals and newcomers alike enjoy its tight-knit community feel, with families drawn to the racecourse, welcoming pubs like The Saddler's Inn, and easy access to nearby Mullingar and Tullamore. It's the kind of place where everyone knows your name, perfect for those seeking a slower pace amid farmland and greenways.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
1,575
Census 2022
Owner occupied
49.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
73.2
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just 1,575, Kilbeggan feels like a cozy, close community rather than a bustling hub, where home ownership at 49.6% is a bit below the national 65.9% average, suggesting more renters and perhaps some opportunities for buyers in a market not as overheated as bigger towns. The crime rate of 73.2 per 1,000 is higher than the national 54.1, so it's worth noting petty issues like in any small town, but most folks still feel safe walking the streets.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Kilbeggan vs national average (%)
Kilbeggan
National
A youthful 23.1% under 14 tops the national 19.7% average while just 11.5% are over 65 below the 15.1% norm, painting a vibrant, family-oriented community buzzing with kids and working-age parents.
Under 14
23.1%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.5% / 49.5%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Most folks are at work at 55.3% close to the national 56.1%, with 12.3% retired under the average, showing a steady local economy supported by commuting to nearby towns and a touch of remote work at 5.9%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 27% trails the national 39.2%, hinting at a practical, hands-on community where many thrive in trades, farming, or distillery-related jobs rather than desk-bound careers.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
73.2
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
35% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
68.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kilbeggan Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 73.2 per 1,000 — 35% 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 Kilbeggan Garda subdistrict (population 5,106), which covers Kilbeggan and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
How people travel to work
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent spot with 64.9% driving to work just above the 62.4% average and only 2.6% using public transport versus 7.9% nationally, though the N6 and R446 bypass plus Townlink buses make trips to Dublin, Mullingar, and Tullamore straightforward. No car households at 13.9% match the norm, so a vehicle is handy for rural life.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
Ethnicity
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
27.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Kilbeggan's name comes from the Irish 'Cill Bheagáin', meaning 'church of Bécán'—likely a reference to a little early Christian church founded by Saint Bécán, underscoring its ancient monastic roots. This ties into the area's glacial landscape and River Brosna setting, evoking a history of quiet faith and community amid the midlands' eskers.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
49.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
23.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
17.8%
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
Home ownership lags at 49.6% with private renting higher at 23.2%, and 18.4% in flats or apartments above the 13% average, offering a mix of family houses amid farmland and more rental options in town for newcomers.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
77.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
14.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Kilbeggan vs National (%)
Kilbeggan
National
Good or very good health at 77.3% is a tad below the 82.9% national figure, possibly reflecting active outdoor lifestyles along the river and greenways balanced by rural living's demands.