Royal Exchange is the beating heart of Dublin's city centre, right next to the stunning City Hall—originally built as the Royal Exchange in the 1700s for merchants to trade and mingle—and spilling into lively Temple Bar and Parliament Street. It's a compact, vibrant spot buzzing with young professionals, renters, and visitors, known for its historic architecture, handy cafes, bars, and that unbeatable urban energy where everything's within walking distance. Think stylish apartments overlooking cobblestone streets, close to Dublin Castle, with a mix of culture, convenience, and a bit of that classic Dublin buzz—who wouldn't love calling this home?
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,276
Census 2022
Owner occupied
8.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just over 7,000 in a tiny 0.4 square km area, Royal Exchange is a dense, city-centre gem packed with life, but low home ownership at 8.9% and high renting at 44% point to a transient, investment-heavy rental scene rather than family roots. The crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000 is notably higher than the national average, so it's lively but worth keeping an eye out, especially at night in this bustling spot.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Royal Exchange vs national average (%)
Royal Exchange
National
Young and dynamic, with only 6.2% over 65 and 16% under 14 compared to national averages, Royal Exchange feels full of energy from working adults rather than families or retirees.
Under 14
16.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
51.4% / 48.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A hardworking crew here, with 58.3% at work and a low 7.1% retired, though fewer work from home at 8.3%—it's a place for those thriving in the fast-paced city economy.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
High third-level education at 37.6% suggests a smart, professional crowd, just shy of the national average, drawing ambitious folks to this central hub.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
162% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
125.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kevin Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000 — 162% 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 Kevin Street Garda subdistrict (population 34,549), which covers Royal Exchange and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
How people travel to work
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
No car needed for half the residents at 50.9%, with most walking or using public transport at 13.3%—way above average—making it ideal for car-free living, though driving is rare at 5.9%. Regular buses and proximity to everything keep it super convenient.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
Ethnicity
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
8.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Royal Exchange' isn't originally Irish but English, named for the 18th-century merchants' trading hall on Cork Hill, now Dublin City Hall, where traders gathered daily under a bell—'Royal' nodding to grand patronage, 'Exchange' to its commercial roots. It evokes Dublin's merchant history linking Parliament Street to the Castle, a shift from earlier sites like a medieval church, highlighting the area's evolution from trade to civic pride.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
8.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
44.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
27.3%
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
Overwhelmingly apartments at 95.9% and renters at 44%, it's a modern rental haven for urban dwellers, not a spot for traditional homeowners.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
51.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.3%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.4%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Royal Exchange vs National (%)
Royal Exchange
National
Only 51.3% report good or very good health—much lower than the national 82.9%—perhaps reflecting the high-energy city lifestyle, late nights, or denser living conditions.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay