Cabra is a welcoming inner suburb on Dublin's northside, just 2km from the city centre, nestled between the Royal Canal and Phoenix Park, giving it a leafy, residential feel with plenty of green spaces and a strong community vibe. It's known for its planned gardens, local '17 shops' hub with takeaways, coffee spots and hardware stores, and a mix of families, workers and retirees who appreciate the handy amenities and village-like atmosphere. Divided into Cabra East and West by the railway, it's home to a diverse crowd that's proud of its history, from old judges' houses to a tight-knit neighbourhood spirit.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
23,681
Census 2022
Owner occupied
51.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
38.5
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 23,681, Cabra feels like a bustling yet close-knit community in the heart of Dublin. Homeownership at 51.4% is below the national 65.9% average while renting sits higher at 29.5%, suggesting a dynamic mix of long-term locals and newcomers, and its crime rate of 38.5 per 1,000 beats the national 54.1, making it a safer spot than many expect.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Cabra vs national average (%)
Cabra
National
Cabra's age profile shows fewer young children at 13.4% under 14 compared to the national 19.7%, but a balanced 15.3% over 65 matching the average, painting a picture of a stable, mature community with space for families to grow.
Under 14
13.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.0% / 50.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A solid 59.4% of folks are at work above the national 56.1%, with 16% retired and 10.6% working from home, reflecting a hardworking area where people balance local jobs, remote work, and well-earned retirement.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 38.8% nearly matches the national 39.2%, indicating a well-educated community with professionals, thinkers, and skilled workers contributing to its vibrant local scene.
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 Cabra, 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 Cabra and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
How people travel to work
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Cabra isn't car-dependent, with 33.9% having no car—way above the 13.4% national average—and a impressive 23.4% using public transport compared to 7.9% nationally, thanks to great bus, Luas tram, and rail links right on your doorstep. Only 28.8% drive to work versus 62.4% nationally, so it's easy to hop into the city without the hassle.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
Ethnicity
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
28.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Cabra comes from the Irish 'An Chabrach', meaning 'the poor land', reflecting its humble origins as less fertile ground in a landscape once dotted with modest farmhouses like those of old judges. This nod to its history tells of a resilient area that's transformed from 'poor land' into a thriving, green suburb between canal and park.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
51.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
29.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
11.5%
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
You'll find a mix with just over half owning at 51.4%, higher private renting at 29.5%, and 24.5% in flats or apartments above the 13% average, including those spacious planned garden homes on generous plots that give Cabra its unique charm.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
76.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Cabra vs National (%)
Cabra
National
Good or very good health at 76.9% is a touch below the 82.9% national average, but with its green spaces, parks, and active community, Cabra supports a healthy lifestyle for those who make it home.
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