Rathmines East is a buzzing, village-like suburb just 3km south of Dublin city centre, known for its lively high street packed with indie shops, eclectic eateries, craft beer spots like Kodiak, and the iconic art deco Stella Cinema where you can sip cocktails in plush armchairs. It's a trendy hub for young professionals, students, and a diverse mix of residents drawn to its cosmopolitan vibe, historic Georgian and Victorian buildings now housing cosy flats, and welcoming pubs like Blackbird and Slattery’s that blend old-school charm with modern energy. The area feels vibrant yet community-oriented, with peaceful parks, excellent transport links, and a liberal, artistic atmosphere that makes it a real gem for anyone seeking that authentic Dublin edge.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
16,923
Census 2022
Owner occupied
44.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
43.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 16,923, Rathmines East is a lively urban village that's more rental-heavy at 45.3% compared to the national 18%, reflecting its appeal to young renters over families, while the lower crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 beats the national average of 54.1, making it a safer-than-average spot to call home.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rathmines East vs national average (%)
Rathmines East
National
The balanced age profile with 14% under 14 and 14.3% over 65 suggests a welcoming community for families and retirees alike, without being overly skewed towards any one group.
Under 14
14.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
14.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.3% / 52.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
vs national average
At work
Here
64.0%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
14.5%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
11.4%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
4.4%
National
6.6%
This area's economic pulse is strong, with 64% at work above the national 56.1%, a solid 17.1% working from home, and a lower 14.5% retirement rate, painting a picture of ambitious professionals thriving in a dynamic environment.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
74.2%
National
39.2%
Boasting an impressive 74.2% with third-level education—nearly double the national 39.2%—Rathmines East attracts a highly educated crowd, fostering innovation, creativity, and lively conversations in its pubs and galleries.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
43.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
20% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
42.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Donnybrook Garda subdistrict, which covers Rathmines East, records a crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000 — 20% below the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Donnybrook Garda subdistrict (population 42,475), which covers Rathmines East and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
How people travel to work
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
17.1%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
16.1%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
23.1%
National
62.4%
Far from car-dependent, with 25.8% having no car and only 23.1% driving to work versus the national 62.4%, residents here love the excellent public transport options—16.1% use it compared to 7.9% nationally—making it easy to hop into the city centre by bus in minutes.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
Ethnicity
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
73.8%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
68.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
51.7%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
27.8%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
42.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
42.6%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.4%
National
4.1%
'Rathmines' comes from the Irish 'Ráth Mhínis', meaning 'ringfort of the little ring' or 'fort of the smooth/hill ringfort', hinting at its ancient origins as a defended settlement on a gentle hill south of the city. This nod to early Gaelic history underscores Rathmines East's layered past, from prehistoric forts to its Victorian heyday and now as a modern cosmopolitan hotspot.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
44.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
45.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
3.3%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
18.3%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
26.6%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
57.2%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
40.9%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
25.8%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
24.1%
National
41.5%
The housing scene is renter-dominated at 45.3% private renting against 44.9% owner-occupied, with 40.9% in flats or apartments far above the national 13%, offering affordable, flexible options in charming converted Georgian townhouses perfect for young professionals.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
84.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rathmines East vs National (%)
Rathmines East
National
Residents enjoy good or very good health at 84.2%, slightly edging out the national 82.9%, which speaks to a healthy, active lifestyle supported by walkable streets, nearby parks, and a vibrant food scene.

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