Finglas North is a welcoming, tight-knit suburb in northwest Dublin with a genuine village feel amid its bustling community, bordered by Cabra to the south, Glasnevin and Ballymun to the east, and the M50 to the north. It's known for its strong sense of community spirit, celebrated in local sculptures like The Spirit of Finglas, and practical perks like proximity to the city centre, airport, and new shopping spots in Charlestown. Families, retirees, and working folks thrive here in a place that's undergoing positive regeneration while holding onto its historic charm around spots like St Canice’s Church.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
9,805
Census 2022
Owner occupied
65.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 9,805, Finglas North is a compact, stable community where home ownership at 65.3% nearly matches the national average, pointing to rooted families rather than transient renters. The crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000 is slightly above the national 54.1, but the area's village atmosphere and regeneration efforts make it feel safer and more community-focused than stats alone suggest.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Finglas North vs national average (%)
Finglas North
National
The age profile is nicely balanced with 17.1% under 14 and 15.2% over 65, mirroring national averages closely and fostering a family-friendly vibe where kids play alongside active retirees.
Under 14
17.1%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment stands at a solid 54.5% with 16.4% retired, reflecting a hardworking community of everyday Dubliners, though work-from-home is lower at 5.8% suggesting most prefer traditional office or on-site roles.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 20.8% is below the national 39.2%, indicating a practical, hands-on community where trades, local jobs, and family priorities often take precedence over university degrees.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Finglas Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Finglas Garda subdistrict (population 55,083), which covers Finglas North and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
How people travel to work
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Driving to work at 51% shows car reliance, especially with 24.8% having no car, but public transport use at 17.8%—more than double the national 7.9%—means excellent bus links like the 9, 17A, and 140 make it handy for city centre trips in about half an hour. It's well-served without being overly car-dependent.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
Ethnicity
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
24.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Finglas derives from the Irish 'Fionnghlas' meaning 'clear stream' or 'white stream,' nodding to the clear waters of the River Ward that once flowed prominently through the area. This evokes Finglas North's historic rural roots as a monastic settlement before suburban growth, tying into its enduring village character amid Dublin's expansion.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
65.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
8.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
19.7%
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
High ownership at 65.3% with low private renting at 8% and just 5.3% flats points to a neighbourhood of family homes and semis, offering stability and affordability in a city of sky-high prices.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
74.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
11.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
18.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Finglas North vs National (%)
Finglas North
National
Good or very good health at 74.1% trails the national 82.9%, possibly linked to the working-class lifestyle, but the community focus and nearby leisure centres in Finglas keep folks active and connected.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay