Balrothery is a charming, historic village in Fingal, just 2km south of Balbriggan along the old Dublin-Belfast road, known for its medieval church tower, ancient graveyard with 18th-century stones, and a peaceful rural feel amid rolling fields. It's home to families, commuters, and retirees who enjoy the close-knit community vibe, local tennis club, and easy access to nearby Ardgillan Castle and coastal spots. With ongoing active travel plans enhancing walkability and cycling paths, it feels like a safe, welcoming spot blending village tradition with modern family life.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
2,282
Census 2022
Owner occupied
73.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
63.1
National avg: 54.1
Balrothery’s compact population of 2,282 fosters a tight-knit community feel, while the high home ownership rate of 73.4%—above the national average—suggests stability and pride in the area, though the slightly elevated crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 calls for everyday vigilance like in any small village.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Balrothery vs national average (%)
Balrothery
National
With 22.4% under 14 and just 10.3% over 65, Balrothery buzzes with young families and an active, youthful energy that keeps the community lively and forward-looking.
Under 14
22.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.3%
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
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
vs national average
At work
Here
58.9%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
12.5%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
13.4%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
6.8%
National
6.6%
Most folks here are employed at 58.9%, with a good mix of working from home and traditional jobs, painting a picture of a steady, balanced local economy.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
36.6%
National
39.2%
At 36.6% with third-level education, residents are well-qualified and likely value learning, contributing to a thoughtful, engaged neighbourhood.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
63.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Balbriggan Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Balbriggan Garda subdistrict (population 32,504), which covers Balrothery and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
How people travel to work
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
8.0%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
11.5%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
66.3%
National
62.4%
This is very much a car-dependent spot with 66.3% driving to work and only 6.2% without a car, but public transport use at 11.5% is strong and growing, especially with Fingal's active travel upgrades making walking and cycling safer around the village.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
Ethnicity
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
80.1%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
72.6%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
60.9%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
13.0%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
37.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
37.1%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
1.6%
National
4.1%
Balrothery’s Irish name Baile an Ridire means 'Town of the Knight,' hinting at its medieval knightly barony history from the 13th century when it was part of Fingal’s feudal overlordship. Historically also called Baile Ruairí or 'Town of Ruairí,' it evokes a landscape shaped by Norman knights and ancient lords amid the area's elevated, historic grounds.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
73.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
9.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.4%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
47.4%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
26.0%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
96.9%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
2.6%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
6.2%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
51.5%
National
41.5%
Predominantly owner-occupied at 73.4% with low private renting at 9.1% and mostly houses over flats at just 2.6%, Balrothery offers a settled, family-oriented housing scene perfect for long-term roots.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Balrothery vs National (%)
Balrothery
National
Solid health stats at 80.5% reporting good or very good health reflect a healthy, outdoor lifestyle in this fresh-air village setting.

Other areas in Fingal

AirportBalbrigganBaldoyleBalgriffinBallyboghilBlanchardstownCastleknockDonabateDubberGarristownHowthKinsaleyKinsealy-drinanLoughshinnyLucan NorthLuskMalahideNaulOldtownPortmarnockPortraneRivermeadeRushSkerriesSuttonSwordsThe WardTurnapin