Chapelizod is a charming historic village nestled in the wooded valley of the River Liffey, just 6-7km west of Dublin city centre, right on the doorstep of the Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo. Known as Dublin's best-kept secret, it buzzes with a strong community spirit, quaint pubs like the Mullingar House, cosy eateries such as Café de Bróc, and scenic riverside walks that make it perfect for a relaxed yet connected lifestyle. Families, professionals, and retirees alike call this tight-knit spot home, drawn to its refurbished main street and timeless Anglo-Norman heritage blended with Huguenot influences.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,397
Census 2022
Owner occupied
44.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
With a cosy population of just 3,397, Chapelizod feels like a welcoming village rather than a bustling suburb, where renting is far more common at 34.3% compared to the national 18%—suggesting a vibrant, transient mix of young professionals and families—though the crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 is a touch above the national average of 54.1, so it's worth keeping an eye on local vibes.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Chapelizod vs national average (%)
Chapelizod
National
The age profile skews slightly older with 15.7% over 65 (just above the national 15.1%) and fewer kids under 14 at 13.5% versus 19.7% nationally, painting a picture of a settled community with established families and retirees enjoying the village's peaceful pace.
Under 14
13.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.8% / 52.2%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
vs national average
At work
Here
63.9%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
17.2%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
6.6%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.9%
National
6.6%
Chapelizod hums with economic vitality, as 63.9% are at work (higher than the national 56.1%), a solid 17.2% retired, and 12.1% working from home, reflecting a mix of local employment and flexible modern jobs in this convenient spot.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
51.6%
National
39.2%
Boasting 51.6% with third-level education—well above the national 39.2%—residents here are a savvy, upwardly mobile bunch, likely drawn to the area's schools like St. Laurence’s and proximity to city opportunities.

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 Chapelizod and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
How people travel to work
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
12.1%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
22.8%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
38.3%
National
62.4%
Public transport shines with 22.8% using buses (more than triple the national 7.9%) thanks to eight routes linking to the city centre, while only 38.3% drive (below the 62.4% average) and 22.8% have no car—making it far less car-dependent and ideal for easy city access without the hassle.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
Ethnicity
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
77.0%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
65.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
50.3%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
25.3%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
32.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
32.5%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.9%
National
4.1%
'Chapelizod' comes from the Irish 'Séipéal Íosóid', meaning 'church of Íosóid'—referring to a legendary chapel linked to St. Isolde from Arthurian tales, evoking the area's deep ancient roots in the lush Liffey valley where early Christian sites and folklore intertwine with its serpentine river and sloping hills.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
44.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
34.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
13.9%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
24.3%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
20.6%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
41.2%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
58.6%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
22.8%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
18.6%
National
41.5%
Renting dominates at 34.3% versus 44.9% owner-occupied (both below national averages), with 58.6% in flats or apartments (way higher than the 13% national figure), offering flexible urban living in this village setting amid historic terraces and modern mixes.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
74.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Chapelizod vs National (%)
Chapelizod
National
While 74.8% report good or very good health (a bit under the national 82.9%), the active community spirit, riverside walks, and Phoenix Park proximity suggest a lifestyle that keeps folks fit and connected despite the stats.

Other areas in Dublin City

Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay