North Dock is the vibrant heart of Dublin's Docklands, a sleek modern neighbourhood along the River Liffey where glassy tech offices meet trendy waterfront bars and apartments, buzzing with young professionals in what locals call Silicon Docks. Once a gritty port area of warehouses and ships unloading goods from the Custom House to Dublin Port, it's now a transformed hotspot known for its innovative energy, spots like the 3Arena for gigs, and easy walks along North Wall Quay. You'll find a cosmopolitan crowd here—techies, internationals, and city dwellers—who love the mix of urban buzz and Liffey views without the Temple Bar chaos.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
15,907
Census 2022
Owner occupied
29.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
680.3
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 16,000, North Dock is a compact, fast-growing urban hub rather than a sprawling suburb, dominated by renters at nearly half the homes compared to the national norm, suggesting a transient, professional vibe ideal for short-term city living. The high crime rate of 680 per 1,000—way above the national average—flags some urban challenges like petty theft in this busy spot, so staying alert is key, though many still feel safe amid the development.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
North Dock vs national average (%)
Young and dynamic, North Dock has just 13% under 14 and only 6% over 65—much lower than national averages—pointing to a community full of working-age adults and fewer families or retirees, perfect for a lively, career-focused lifestyle.
Under 14
13.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.4%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
51.6% / 48.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
North Dock vs National (%)
vs national average
Looking after home/family
This is a high-achieving area where over two-thirds are employed—beating the national rate—with more working from home, reflecting the tech jobs that define Silicon Docks and a prosperous, flexible workforce.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Over half the residents hold third-level degrees, well above the national 39%, which speaks to a smart, ambitious crowd drawn to the area's tech firms and innovative scene.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
680.3
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
1157% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
627.1
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Store Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 680.3 per 1,000 — 1158% 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 Store Street Garda subdistrict (population 18,418), which covers North Dock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
North Dock vs National (%)
How people travel to work
North Dock vs National (%)
vs national average
Far from car-dependent, nearly half have no car and most get by with public transport at 18% or driving at just 16%, thanks to excellent Luas tram, DART, and bus links right from the Docklands—making it super convenient for city commuting without the hassle of parking.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
North Dock vs National (%)
Ethnicity
North Dock vs National (%)
vs national average
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
North Dock vs National (%)
vs national average
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
18.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
'North Dock' or 'Dooc Nort' in Irish reflects its straightforward docklands heritage—'dooc' meaning dock or wharf—evoking the area's 18th-century origins as a key port on the Liffey for trade ships, shaping its industrial past before the shiny rebirth. This name anchors its history to Dublin's maritime landscape, from goods unloading at the North Wall to today's quayside revival.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
29.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
48.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
15.6%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Dwelling type
Cars per household
Renters rule at 49% versus just 29% owners, with over half living in modern flats and apartments that suit the urban renter crowd, a stark contrast to Ireland's traditional home-owning suburbs.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
74.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
18.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
North Dock vs National (%)
A solid 74% report good or very good health, though slightly below the national average, likely tied to the young, active demographic enjoying Liffey walks and gym culture amid the fast-paced Docklands life.
Other areas in Dublin City