Howth is a charming coastal peninsula village in Fingal, just 15km from Dublin city centre, famous for its bustling fishing harbour, dramatic cliff walks with stunning views of Ireland's Eye and seals basking on the rocks, and a lively market scene with fresh seafood. It's got that perfect mix of historic charm from spots like Howth Castle and St. Mary's Abbey, wild moorland trails teeming with wildlife, and a relaxed, maritime vibe that draws families, retirees, and weekend visitors alike. Locals love the tight-knit community feel, where you're as likely to spot dolphins from the pier as you are to bump into a friendly face at the weekend market.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
8,192
Census 2022
Owner occupied
84.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 8,192, Howth feels like a welcoming small community rather than a crowded suburb, boasting an impressive 84.1% home ownership rate that's well above the national average, suggesting stability and pride in the area. The low crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000—compared to the national 54.1—makes it a safe haven for families and those seeking peace by the sea.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Howth vs national average (%)
Howth
National
Howth's community has a mature, settled vibe with 25.8% over 65 (above the national 15.1%) and fewer young children at 16.9% under 14, painting a picture of established families and retirees enjoying the coastal lifestyle together.
Under 14
16.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
25.8%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.6% / 51.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The economic scene here blends professional remote workers (19.3% work from home, double the national average) with retirees making up 25.3%, and nearly half the population at work, reflecting a comfortable, flexible lifestyle supported by Dublin's proximity.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 58.8% holding third-level degrees—far exceeding the national 39.2%—Howth attracts educated professionals who value its inspiring coastal setting for both career and family life.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
28% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
40.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Howth Garda subdistrict, which covers Howth, records a crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 — 28% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Howth Garda subdistrict (population 21,026), which covers Howth and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
How people travel to work
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While half drive to work (slightly below the national 62.4%), Howth stands out with 19% using public transport—more than double the average—and a strong 19.3% working from home, thanks to the handy DART train linking straight to Dublin city centre. It's not overly car-dependent, making it easy to embrace low-stress commutes or stay local.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
Ethnicity
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
44.7%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Howth' comes from the Irish 'Binn Éadair', meaning 'Éadair's Peak', referring to the prominent Howth Head peninsula named after a mythological figure and evoking its rugged cliffs and elevated landscape. This ancient Gaelic root highlights Howth's deep pre-Norman history as a strategic coastal outpost, long before it became the beloved fishing village we know today.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
84.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
10.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.7%
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
Predominantly owner-occupied at 84.1% with low private renting at 10.7%, the housing mix favours family homes and bungalows over flats (just 11.3%), fostering a stable, suburban feel amid the seaside scenery.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Howth vs National (%)
Howth
National
An impressive 88.9% report good or very good health—higher than the national 82.9%—along with low no-car households at 8.5%, suggesting an active, outdoor-loving lifestyle boosted by fresh sea air and cliff paths.