Carna is a tight-knit working-class neighbourhood in Dublin City's Ballyfermot area, known for its community spirit and proximity to local amenities like schools, shops, and parks along the Naas Road corridor. It's a place where families and retirees feel at home amid modest terraced houses and some newer developments, offering an authentic slice of urban Dublin life without the city centre hustle. Residents here value their local ties, with Cherry Orchard nearby adding to the familial vibe.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
2,897
Census 2022
Owner occupied
60.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 2,897, Carna feels like a close community where most folks own their homes at 60.8%—a bit below the national average but still stable—suggesting long-term residents who stick around. The crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 is slightly higher than average, so it's worth noting local safety efforts, but overall it paints a picture of a solid, unpretentious spot for everyday living.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Carna vs national average (%)
Carna
National
Carna's age profile is nicely balanced with 16.6% under 14 and 16.6% over 65—slightly fewer kids than average but a touch more seniors—creating a family-friendly community with plenty of grandparent energy to go around.
Under 14
16.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
16.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.3% / 50.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half of working-age residents (51.5%) are employed, with retirees making up 16.5%, pointing to a steady economic character where folks have reliable jobs but aren't chasing the highest earners.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education stands at 14.8%, well below the national 39.2%, which suggests a practical, hands-on community focused more on trades and local skills than university degrees—perfect if you're not into academic scenes.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
25% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
64.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 — 25% 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 Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict (population 32,849), which covers Carna and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
How people travel to work
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Driving to work is common at 55%, but public transport use is a strong 15.7%—higher than average—making Carna less car-dependent than many spots, especially with 32.2% having no car at all. It's handy for bus links along the main roads, though you'll still want wheels for flexibility.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
Ethnicity
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
17.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Carna' comes from the Irish 'Carna', meaning a rocky or stony place, hinting at its roots in Dublin's rugged landscape before urban development. This name evokes the area's historical ties to Ireland's Gaelic past, even in an English-speaking city neighbourhood, connecting it to the rocky terrains of old townlands.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
60.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
5.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
28.5%
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
Homeownership dominates at 60.8% with low private renting at 5.7%, and mostly houses rather than the 7.5% flats/apartments, giving a settled, family-oriented housing mix that's affordable and stable.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
74.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
13.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
22.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Carna vs National (%)
Carna
National
Good or very good health is reported by 74.7%, lower than the national 82.9%, which might reflect the area's working-class lifestyle but still shows resilient folks getting by just fine.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay