Clontarf East is a charming coastal gem in north Dublin, where the sea breeze from Dublin Bay meets the lush greenery of St Anne's Park and the iconic promenade perfect for daily walks, runs, or family outings to Dollymount Beach. It's a family-friendly haven with a village feel, buzzing with boutique shops on Vernon Avenue, excellent schools, sports clubs like the Royal Dublin Golf Club, and a proud history from Brian Boru's 1014 Battle of Clontarf victory over the Vikings. Affluent professionals, families, and retirees love its peaceful yet lively vibe, just a quick DART ride from the city centre.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
18,626
Census 2022
Owner occupied
75.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 18,626, Clontarf East feels like a thriving yet spacious community where three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national average—suggesting stability and pride of place. The low crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000 paints it as one of Dublin's safer spots, ideal for families seeking security by the sea.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Clontarf East vs national average (%)
Clontarf East
National
A balanced community with fewer young children at 17.7% but more seniors at 19.6% than average, Clontarf East buzzes with family energy alongside a welcoming retiree presence that adds warmth and wisdom to neighbourhood chats.
Under 14
17.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
19.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.7% / 52.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Residents enjoy steady employment with 55.8% at work and a high 18.5% working from home, pointing to a professional crowd valuing flexibility in this desirable suburb.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Impressively high third-level education at 62% suggests a smart, ambitious community full of professionals who prioritise learning and likely appreciate the area's top schools.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
35% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
33.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Clontarf Garda subdistrict, which covers Clontarf East, records a crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000 — 35% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Clontarf Garda subdistrict (population 50,504), which covers Clontarf East and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
How people travel to work
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far from car-dependent, just 41.4% drive to work compared to the national 62.4%, thanks to strong public transport options like 20.3% using buses or DART—double the average—and that handy 14.6% no-car rate. It's a walkable, connected spot where you can hop on the DART for an easy city commute.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
Ethnicity
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
50.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Clontarf East's name derives from the Irish 'Cluain Tarbh', meaning 'meadow of the bulls', evoking its pastoral origins as open grassland by the coast before it became the historic battleground. This nod to ancient landscapes underscores its transformation from Viking-era fields to today's leafy seaside suburb.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
75.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
3.3%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 75.8% with a modest 16.6% renting, the mix includes classic Victorian redbricks, family homes, and 19.2% apartments, suiting everyone from growing families to downsizers.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
87.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Clontarf East vs National (%)
Clontarf East
National
Exceptional 87.7% reporting good or very good health reflects an active lifestyle of promenade strolls, park jogs, and sea swims that keep locals vibrant and happy.
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