Cabinteely is a charming, green suburb on Dublin's southside in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, known for its peaceful parklands like the expansive Cabinteely Park with its 18th-century house, winding woodland trails, and abundant wildlife, alongside Kilbogget Park. It has a village feel around the historic crossroads of Johnstown Road, Brennanstown Road, and the Old Bray Road, with a mix of family homes, apartments, and countryside vibes blending into nearby open spaces. Families, professionals, and retirees love it for its safe, community-oriented atmosphere with excellent schools, local pubs like the Horse and Hound, and easy access to Dublin city.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
15,864
Census 2022
Owner occupied
71.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
26.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 15,864, Cabinteely is a sizable suburban community where over 70% of homes are owner-occupied—higher than the national average—suggesting stability and long-term residents who value putting down roots. The low crime rate of just 26.9 per 1,000, well below the national 54.1, makes it one of the safest spots around, perfect for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Cabinteely vs national average (%)
Cabinteely
National
The age profile shows a vibrant community with 18.6% under 14 and 16.1% over 65—both close to national averages—meaning plenty of young families mixing with active retirees for a balanced, intergenerational feel.
Under 14
18.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
16.1%
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
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Cabinteely's economy reflects a professional workforce, with 57.6% at work, a high 17.7% working from home, and 16.9% retired, painting a picture of stable, flexible careers in a post-pandemic world.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 55.4% have third-level education—well above the national 39.2%—indicating a highly skilled, ambitious community with great schools and a focus on opportunity.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
26.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
50% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
24.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Cabinteely Garda subdistrict, which covers Cabinteely, records a crime rate of 26.9 per 1,000 — 50% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Cabinteely Garda subdistrict (population 46,548), which covers Cabinteely and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
How people travel to work
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 52.4% drive to work, it's lower than the national average, and 17.7% use public transport or work from home—both double the norm—thanks to handy N11 and R827 access, though it's still somewhat car-reliant for convenience. The Luas and buses make city trips straightforward without total car dependence.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
Ethnicity
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
37.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Cabinteely comes from the Irish 'Cábán tSíle', meaning 'Sheila's Cabin', referring to an old tavern at the crossroads that gave the area its start as a bustling stop on the Dublin-to-Bray road. This nods to its humble rural origins in the meeting of medieval parishes like Tully, Kill, and Killiney, evolving from countryside tavern to leafy suburb while keeping that historic charm.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
71.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
18.8%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
6.8%
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 owner-occupancy at 71.6% mixes with 18.8% private renting and 31.2% flats or apartments—double the national rate—offering family houses amid parklands alongside modern apartment living for singles or downsizers.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Cabinteely vs National (%)
Cabinteely
National
Exceptional 88.4% report good or very good health—higher than the national 82.9%—and low 11.9% no-car households suggest an active, outdoor lifestyle boosted by parks, walks, and fresh air.