Multyfarnham is a charming, tight-knit village nestled among the rolling green hills of north Westmeath, just a short drive from Lough Derravaragh and its ancient crannogs and ringforts that whisper tales of Mesolithic hunters and early medieval farmers. Known for its historic Franciscan friary with life-size Stations of the Cross, a proud GAA club that's tasted Leinster glory, and a community spirit that won Ireland's Tidy Towns in 1977, it attracts families, retirees, and nature lovers who cherish the peaceful vibe amid pubs, heritage trails, and outdoor pursuits like hill walking and fishing.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
460
Census 2022
Owner occupied
65.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
156.5
National avg: 54.1
With a cozy population of just 460, Multyfarnham feels like a proper village haven where most folks—65.2%—own their homes, matching the national average for stability and roots. While the crime rate at 156.5 per 1,000 is higher than the national 54.1, it's still a safe, welcoming spot where everyone knows their neighbours.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Multyfarnham vs national average (%)
Multyfarnham
National
The age profile skews mature with 25.2% over 65—well above the national 15.1%—and a typical 19.3% under 14, painting a picture of a supportive community where families raise kids alongside active grandparents.
Under 14
19.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
25.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
45.0% / 55.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half—52.6%—are at work, bolstered by a solid 23.2% retired, creating a balanced economy where folks enjoy steady jobs without the urban hustle.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
A commendable 43.9% have third-level education, topping the national 39.2%, suggesting a thoughtful, skilled community that's invested in learning and personal growth.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
156.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
189% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
123.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Multyfarnham Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 156.5 per 1,000 — 189% 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 Multyfarnham Garda subdistrict (population 460), which covers Multyfarnham and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
How people travel to work
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent village, with 73.8% driving to work—higher than the national 62.4%—and just 0.5% using public transport versus 7.9% nationally, though 7.7% working from home offers some flexibility. No car households at 10.8% are below average, so most get by fine with wheels.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
Ethnicity
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
39.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Multyfarnham comes from the Irish 'Muilte Farannáin,' meaning 'Farannán's mills,' nodding to ancient water mills run by a local figure named Farannán that harnessed the area's streams and rivers. It evokes a industrious heritage tied to the lush, watery landscape of bogs, lakes like Derravaragh, and those rolling hills that have sustained communities for millennia.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
65.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
19.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
7.6%
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
Homeownership dominates at 65.2%, with private renting at 19.6% slightly above average, and mostly houses rather than the national 13% flats—only 4.4% here—giving a real family-friendly, spacious feel.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.9%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
4.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Multyfarnham vs National (%)
Multyfarnham
National
With 80.9% reporting good or very good health—just shy of the national 82.9%—residents here lead active lives, likely thanks to the fresh air, lakeside walks, and close-knit support.