Clontarf West is an affluent coastal suburb on Dublin's Northside, just 3-5km from the city centre, known for its stunning seafront promenade along Dublin Bay, excellent parks like St Anne's Park, and a vibrant village atmosphere that balances seaside charm with urban convenience. The area attracts young professionals, families, and retirees who value the combination of outdoor space, cultural amenities, and easy access to the city. It's a place where you can walk along the beach after work, explore one of Dublin's largest parks, and still be minutes from restaurants, shops, and transport links.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
15,296
Census 2022
Owner occupied
62.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 15,300, Clontarf West is a thriving, well-established neighbourhood where nearly two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, though private renting is notably higher than the national average at 26.4%. The crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the national average, making it one of Dublin's safer neighbourhoods.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Clontarf West vs national average (%)
Clontarf West
National
The community skews slightly older than the national average, with a lower proportion of children under 14 but a similar share of over-65s, suggesting a mix of established families, empty-nesters, and retirees who value the area's peaceful, mature character.
Under 14
15.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.3% / 51.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
vs national average
At work
Here
61.6%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
16.6%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
9.4%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
4.4%
National
6.6%
Clontarf West has a strong employment profile, with 61.6% of residents at work and an above-average rate of home working at 15.7%, reflecting a neighbourhood that attracts professionals who can balance city-centre careers with a more relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
53.5%
National
39.2%
Education levels are exceptionally high, with 53.5% of residents holding third-level qualifications—well above the national average of 39.2%—indicating a well-educated, professional community.

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 West, 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 West and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
How people travel to work
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
15.7%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
23.4%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
33.8%
National
62.4%
This is decidedly not a car-dependent area: while 33.8% drive to work, a remarkable 23.4% use public transport, more than triple the national average, reflecting excellent DART and bus connections. Nearly a quarter of residents have no car, the highest proportion in the country, showing that the neighbourhood's walkability and transit links make car ownership optional.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
Ethnicity
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
81.2%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
76.4%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
56.8%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
27.9%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
39.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
39.9%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.7%
National
4.1%
Clontarf derives from the Irish 'Cluain Tarbh', meaning 'meadow of the bulls', a name rooted in the area's ancient pastoral landscape. The name carries historical weight, as Clontarf was the site of the pivotal 1014 Battle of Clontarf, where High King Brian Boru defeated the Vikings—a defining moment in Irish history that transformed the area from farmland into one of Dublin's most historically significant neighbourhoods.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
62.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
26.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
5.5%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
28.4%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
34.5%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
76.6%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
23.4%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
23.8%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
23.9%
National
41.5%
The housing stock is notably diverse, with a significantly higher proportion of apartments and flats (23.4%) than the national average, alongside traditional Victorian and period homes, offering options for renters, downsizers, and families alike.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
84.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Clontarf West vs National (%)
Clontarf West
National
Residents report slightly better health outcomes than the national average at 84.2%, and the area's extensive parks, beaches, and outdoor amenities clearly support an active, health-conscious lifestyle.

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