Botanic, nestled in Glasnevin just a short hop from Dublin city centre, is a vibrant, leafy neighbourhood defined by the stunning National Botanic Gardens, a 50-acre green haven founded in 1795 with over 17,000 plant species, Victorian glasshouses, and free entry that draws locals and visitors alike for peaceful strolls. It's a lively mix of young professionals, students, and families who cherish the calm oasis amid urban buzz, with nearby Glasnevin Cemetery adding a touch of historic depth. The area feels welcoming and green, perfect for those seeking nature without leaving the city.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
9,299
Census 2022
Owner occupied
55.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 9,299, Botanic is a compact, dynamic community where home ownership at 55.1% lags behind the national 65.9% average, pointing to a renter-heavy scene with 35.5% in private rentals—double the country's 18.0%—likely appealing to young movers. The crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national 54.1, so it's worth chatting with locals about safety vibes in this bustling spot.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Botanic vs national average (%)
Botanic
National
Fewer kids under 14 at 13.2% compared to 19.7% nationally and a balanced 15.0% over 65 matching the average suggest a mature, working-age community full of energy rather than playground hustle.
Under 14
13.2%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.6% / 52.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
vs national average
At work
Here
62.7%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
15.9%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
11.4%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.7%
National
6.6%
A strong 62.7% at work tops the national 56.1%, with 14.1% working from home above the 11.3% average, painting Botanic as a productive hub for professionals thriving in flexible, city-close setups.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
60.3%
National
39.2%
Impressively high third-level education at 60.3% versus 39.2% nationally indicates a sharp, ambitious crowd of graduates and thinkers, fostering a cultured, innovative neighbourhood vibe.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
154% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
121.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Mountjoy Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 — 154% 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 Mountjoy Garda subdistrict (population 20,903), which covers Botanic and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
How people travel to work
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
14.1%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
19.8%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
26.7%
National
62.4%
Far from car-dependent, only 26.7% drive to work against 62.4% nationally, while 19.8% use public transport—over twice the 7.9% average—and 24.6% have no car versus 13.4%, thanks to excellent bus links and proximity to the city centre. It's a walkable, transit-friendly spot that keeps you connected without the traffic grind.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
Ethnicity
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
75.1%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
70.1%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
51.4%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
28.4%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
43.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
2.0%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
43.8%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
2.0%
National
4.1%
'Botanic' derives from the Irish 'Garraithe Náisiúnta na Lus,' meaning 'National Gardens of the Plants,' directly nodding to the area's defining feature—the National Botanic Gardens established in 1795. This plant-centric name reflects Glasnevin's rich botanical history along the River Tolka floodplain, where Victorian glasshouses and global species collections have shaped a landscape of conservation and natural beauty for over two centuries.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
55.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
35.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.8%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
23.1%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
32.1%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
65.5%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
34.5%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
24.6%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
22.3%
National
41.5%
A renter's paradise with 35.5% in private rentals and 34.5% in flats or apartments—well above national averages of 18.0% and 13.0%—alongside 55.1% owner-occupied homes, offering flexible options from cosy Georgian terraces to modern units.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Botanic vs National (%)
Botanic
National
Good or very good health at 80.7% is close to the 82.9% national figure, hinting at a healthy lifestyle boosted by the Botanic Gardens' fresh air, walks, and active community spirit.

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