Balgriffin is a peaceful, part-rural suburb on the northern edge of Dublin in Fingal, blending quiet hamlet charm around its historic 18th-century pub and crossroads with modern housing estates and green spaces like the innovative Father Collins Park. It's home to young families, first-time buyers, and busy professionals drawn to its family-friendly vibe, proximity to Portmarnock Beach and Malahide Castle, and easy access to Dublin Airport and the city centre just 10km away. With deep roots from Norman lords and Gaelic chieftains to nearby St Doulagh's Church—Ireland's oldest stone-roofed church still in use—it feels like a welcoming spot where history meets contemporary suburban life.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
2,449
Census 2022
Owner occupied
34.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
With a compact population of 2,449, Balgriffin punches above its weight as a vibrant young community where renting dominates at 40.4% compared to the national 65.9% home ownership average, suggesting a transient mix of newcomers and families in modern apartments. The crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000 sits reassuringly just below the national average of 54.1, making it a safe, welcoming neighbourhood for those starting out.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Balgriffin vs national average (%)
Balgriffin
National
Balgriffin's youthful energy shines through with 26.4% under 14—well above the national 19.7%—and just 2.5% over 65 versus 15.1% nationally, painting a picture of a lively, family-oriented community buzzing with kids and working parents.
Under 14
26.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
2.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.9% / 52.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking area where 71.7% are employed—higher than the national 56.1%—and 14.6% work from home above the 11.3% average, reflecting a professional crowd thriving near Dublin Airport and city jobs with low retirement at 3.2%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Nearly half (49.7%) have third-level education, topping the national 39.2%, which points to a skilled, ambitious community of professionals and families valuing education near spots like Portmarnock Community School and accessible DCU.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
52.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
50.7
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Coolock Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 52.5 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Coolock Garda subdistrict (population 69,268), which covers Balgriffin and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
How people travel to work
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 47.7% drive to work (below the national 62.4%), strong public transport use at 19.8%—more than double the 7.9% average—thanks to Clongriffin DART, buses on Malahide Road, and R139 to the airport, means it's not overly car-dependent. Low no-car households at 12.6% keep things flexible for commuters.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
Ethnicity
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
27.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Balgriffin's name, Baile Ghrífín in Irish, translates to 'Griffin's town,' hinting at its history of settlement by a Welsh figure—possibly linked to Saint Samson who founded nearby St Doulagh's Church in the 5th century. This evokes a landscape once dotted with fields and a simple crossroads hamlet, home to Norman lords, Gaelic chieftains, and later Anglo-Irish families, preserving a rural heritage amid suburban growth.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
34.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
40.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
16.9%
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
Renting prevails at 40.4% with 42% in flats or apartments—far above national averages—alongside 34.6% owner-occupied homes, offering affordable modern options for young families and professionals in this growing suburb.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Balgriffin vs National (%)
Balgriffin
National
Residents report excellent health at 85.1% good or very good, edging out the national 82.9%, likely boosted by active lifestyles in Father Collins Park's trails, playgrounds, and proximity to beaches and golf courses.