South Dock is a vibrant, modern waterfront neighbourhood in Dublin's Docklands, known as 'Silicon Docks' due to its concentration of tech company headquarters and sleek contemporary architecture. It's a young, cosmopolitan area that has undergone dramatic transformation from its industrial past, attracting professionals and creatives seeking an upscale urban lifestyle with riverside walks and high-end amenities. The neighbourhood pulses with energy from its resident tech workers, international professionals, and young urbanites who value modern living over traditional family-oriented community.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
8,320
Census 2022
Owner occupied
20.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
601.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 8,320, South Dock is a compact, densely populated urban neighbourhood where just one in five homes are owner-occupied and over half are privately rented—a stark contrast to the national average of 66% ownership. This rental-dominated profile reflects the area's character as a transient, professional hub where people typically rent rather than settle long-term, though the significantly elevated crime rate of 601.7 per 1,000 residents (compared to the national average of 54.1) is an important consideration for prospective residents.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
South Dock vs national average (%)
South Dock
National
South Dock skews distinctly younger, with only 6.2% of residents over 65 and just 11.6% under 14, indicating this is primarily a neighbourhood of working-age adults without families.
Under 14
11.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.3% / 50.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
vs national average
At work
Here
71.3%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
6.6%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
9.9%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
3.5%
National
6.6%
The area has an exceptionally high employment rate of 71.3% with strong professional engagement, and notably 15.2% work from home—above the national average—reflecting the concentration of knowledge-economy jobs and the neighbourhood's appeal to remote-working professionals.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
66.4%
National
39.2%
With 66.4% of residents holding third-level education (nearly double the national average of 39.2%), South Dock is one of Dublin's most highly educated neighbourhoods, attracting graduates and professionals seeking careers in tech and finance.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
601.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
1012% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
565.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Pearse Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 601.7 per 1,000 — 1013% 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 Pearse Street Garda subdistrict (population 18,846), which covers South Dock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
How people travel to work
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
15.2%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
11.7%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
12.9%
National
62.4%
South Dock is distinctly not car-dependent: 52.2% of households have no car (compared to 13.4% nationally), and only 12.9% drive to work versus the national average of 62.4%. The neighbourhood is well-served by public transport, with 11.7% commuting by bus or train, making it ideal for those who prefer walking, cycling, or transit-based living.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
Ethnicity
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
50.4%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
43.4%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
35.6%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
32.7%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
20.7%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
20.7%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.6%
National
4.1%
'South Dock' refers to the southern section of Dublin's historic docklands along the River Liffey, an area that was once the industrial heart of Dublin's maritime trade. The name reflects the area's geographical position and its deep connection to Dublin's port heritage, though today's modern glass towers and tech offices bear little resemblance to the working docks of previous centuries, representing one of Dublin's most dramatic urban transformations.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
20.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
56.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
15.3%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
12.0%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
8.8%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
11.2%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
88.3%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
52.2%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
6.9%
National
41.5%
The housing stock is almost entirely apartments and flats (88.3%), with minimal single-family homes, reflecting the area's dense urban character and appeal to young professionals seeking modern apartment living rather than traditional family housing.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
79.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
South Dock vs National (%)
South Dock
National
Residents report good or very good health at 79.0%, slightly below the national average, which may reflect the younger demographic's different health profile or lifestyle factors associated with urban living.

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