Ballymun is a vibrant, evolving suburb on Dublin's Northside, known for its strong community spirit forged through decades of transformation from the iconic 1960s high-rise flats to modern low-rise homes, parks, and amenities like the Axis arts centre. It's a place of resilient families and local groups in neighbourhoods like Sillogue, Poppintree, and Shangan, conveniently near Dublin Airport, IKEA, and the city centre, with a mix of green spaces and ongoing regeneration that gives it a hopeful, can-do feel. While it carries echoes of past challenges like social issues and higher crime, today's Ballymun buzzes with everyday life, schools, shops, and a real sense of locals looking out for each other.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
22,321
Census 2022
Owner occupied
39.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
99.5
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 22,321, Ballymun is a sizable suburban community that's more rental-heavy at 14.3% private renting and just 39.3% owner-occupied compared to national averages, reflecting its history of social housing and regeneration. The crime rate of 99.5 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national 54.1, so it's worth noting community efforts to improve safety while enjoying the area's conveniences.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballymun vs national average (%)
Ballymun
National
Ballymun's slightly younger profile, with 17.4% under 14 and 12.6% over 65 versus national averages of 19.7% and 15.1%, suggests a family-oriented community full of kids' energy and fewer retirees, perfect for those seeking a lively neighbourhood vibe.
Under 14
17.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.3% / 51.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
vs national average
At work
Here
53.0%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
13.2%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
10.9%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
6.3%
National
6.6%
Employment stands at 53% at work with 13.2% retired, a bit below national figures, but the 6% working from home shows some modern flexibility amid Ballymun's resilient local economy boosted by regeneration projects.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
22.0%
National
39.2%
Third-level education at 22% trails the national 39.2%, pointing to a practical, hands-on community where many prioritise trade skills, family, and local opportunities over university paths.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
99.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
84% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
92.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ballymun Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 99.5 per 1,000 — 84% 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 Ballymun Garda subdistrict (population 22,726), which covers Ballymun and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
How people travel to work
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
6.0%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
17.8%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
40.0%
National
62.4%
Ballymun isn't overly car-dependent despite 40% driving to work and 25.6% without a car, thanks to excellent public transport options like Dublin Bus routes where 17.8% commute that way—well above the national 7.9%—making it easy to reach the city centre or airport. The walkable layout with clear streets and green spaces adds to the convenience.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
Ethnicity
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
80.5%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
63.5%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
57.9%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
12.9%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
22.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.0%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
22.9%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.0%
National
4.1%
Ballymun's name, Baile Munna in Irish, translates to 'town of the shrubs' or 'town surrounded by shrubs,' evoking its medieval roots as a heavily forested area under Baron Skryne before the 1960s transformation into housing. This shrubby, green heritage lingers in today's parks and open spaces, reminding us of the wild landscape that once defined this North Dublin spot.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
39.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
14.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
37.7%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
19.2%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
20.1%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
74.5%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
25.0%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
25.6%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
18.3%
National
41.5%
Housing mixes more apartments at 25% versus the national 13%, with lower ownership at 39.3% and moderate private renting at 14.3%, reflecting the shift from old flats to diverse new builds that suit families and renters alike.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
68.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
16.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballymun vs National (%)
Ballymun
National
Good or very good health at 68.1% is below the national 82.9%, possibly linked to socioeconomic factors, but the community focus on parks, sports facilities, and regeneration supports healthier lifestyles for those calling it home.

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