Tyrrellspass is a charming Georgian village in south County Westmeath, centered around a picturesque village green lined with elegant Victorian houses and historic St Sinian's Church, giving it a timeless, well-kept feel that earned it the Irish Tidy Towns title in 1969 and a spot representing Ireland in European Architectural Heritage Year. Home to about 480 friendly locals, it's known for its restored 13th-century Tyrrellspass Castle, once seat of the Norman Tyrrell family, now a cozy spot for medieval banquets amid rolling countryside. It's a peaceful rural gem, 81km from Dublin on the R446, perfect for those seeking quiet village life with a proud heritage.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
480
Census 2022
Owner occupied
63.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
73.2
National avg: 54.1
With a small population of 480, Tyrrellspass feels like a tight-knit rural community where most folks own their homes at 63.4%, close to the national average, suggesting stability and roots. The crime rate of 73.2 per 1,000 is a bit higher than the national 54.1, but in such a small place, it's likely minor issues in a safe, familiar setting.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Tyrrellspass vs national average (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
The age profile skews older with 34.4% over 65—more than double the national average—and just 12.9% under 14, painting a picture of a serene, mature community of retirees enjoying a slower pace.
Under 14
12.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
34.4%
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
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Economically, it's a laid-back spot with 40.2% at work and a high 36.1% retired, plus 8.3% working from home, pointing to a mix of local jobs, remote work, and plenty of folks kicking back after years of hard graft.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 22.1% is below the national 39.2%, suggesting a practical, hands-on community where life skills and local know-how shine as much as degrees.
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 Tyrrellspass and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
How people travel to work
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent village, with 69.6% driving to work—higher than average—and just 2.4% using public transport, plus 14.5% without a car, so you'll want wheels to get around the countryside easily. Working from home helps keep things local and stress-free.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
Ethnicity
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
31.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.2%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Tyrrellspass' comes from the Irish 'Tír Dhreoil', meaning 'Territory (or country) of the Thorny Place', nodding to the thorny landscape or scrubland here that the Norman Tyrrell family claimed after their 12th-century arrival. It hints at the area's wild, defensive past, tied to their tower house castle built to guard this strategic pass on old routes.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
63.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
14.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
16.3%
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
Homes are mostly family houses with only 1.7% flats or apartments versus 13% nationally, and ownership dominates at 63.4% over 14% renting, ideal for long-term settlers seeking that classic Irish village house.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
66.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Tyrrellspass vs National (%)
Tyrrellspass
National
Good or very good health stands at 66%—lower than the national 82.9%—which might reflect the older population, but it speaks to a resilient community savoring fresh air and a close-knit lifestyle.