Ashtown is a welcoming, leafy suburb just north of Dublin's iconic Phoenix Park, blending mid-20th-century homes with generous gardens along tidy streets like those off the Navan Road with newer family-friendly developments around Rathborne and Royal Canal Park. It's known for its proximity to the park gates, Phoenix Park Racecourse, and a peaceful, green vibe that feels worlds away from the city hustle yet just a quick 10-15 minute drive or bike ride to the centre. Young couples and families are flocking here for the spacious houses, community feel, and value that doesn't break the bank like pricier spots nearby.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
14,937
Census 2022
Owner occupied
64.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
38.5
National avg: 54.1
With a population of nearly 15,000, Ashtown feels like a thriving yet settled community where most folks own their homes at 64%, close to the national average, suggesting stability without being overly exclusive. The low crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000—well below the national 54.1—makes it a reassuringly safe spot for families and newcomers alike.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ashtown vs national average (%)
Ashtown
National
Ashtown's younger skew, with 17.5% under 14 and just 11.5% over 65 compared to national averages, points to a lively community buzzing with families, kids, and working adults rather than retirees.
Under 14
17.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
11.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.2% / 50.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking neighbourhood where 65.7% are employed—higher than average—and 15.5% work from home, reflecting a mix of professionals enjoying flexible modern jobs alongside a supportive 13.5% of retirees.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Over half the residents (54.9%) have third-level education, well above the national 39.2%, suggesting a professional, ambitious crowd that's drawn to good schools and career opportunities nearby.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
38.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
29% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
37.3
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Cabra Garda subdistrict, which covers Ashtown, records a crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000 — 29% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Cabra Garda subdistrict (population 31,349), which covers Ashtown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
How people travel to work
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Ashtown punches above its weight for public transport with 25% using it to work—over three times the national average—thanks to handy rail links, while only 41.5% drive compared to 62.4% nationally, making it far less car-dependent than many Dublin suburbs. That said, 17.2% have no car at all, higher than average, so you're well set up for train commutes to the city or cycling into Phoenix Park.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
Ethnicity
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
36.7%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Ashtown' translates from the Irish 'Baile Átha an tSléibhe,' meaning 'town of the ford of the mountain or stream,' hinting at its rural past with a ford crossing a stream near the area's hilly edges by the old agricultural lands north of Phoenix Park. This name evokes Ashtown's transformation from quiet farmland to a modern suburb, rooted in Ireland's watery, hilly landscapes that shaped early settlements.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
64.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
24.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
7.3%
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 here mix owner-occupied houses with gardens (64%) and a higher-than-average 24.4% renting, plus 38.1% in flats or apartments—nearly three times the national rate—offering options from family semis to modern canal-side units.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
86.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.9%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ashtown vs National (%)
Ashtown
National
Residents report excellent health at 86.3% in good or very good condition, beating the national 82.9%, which speaks to an active lifestyle boosted by Phoenix Park runs, green spaces, and a family-oriented pace.
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