Loughshinny is a charming seaside fishing village in North Fingal, nestled between Skerries and Rush along the Irish Sea coast, known for its picturesque beach, historic Martello Tower on Drumanagh headland, and quaint harbour popular with anglers. With a close-knit community of around 741 residents, it offers a peaceful, rural escape just 22 miles from Dublin city centre, where coastal walks reveal rock formations, smugglers' caves, and memorials to local seamen lost at sea. It's a place where families and retirees alike enjoy the gentle rhythm of village life, fresh sea air, and community events at the local centre.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
741
Census 2022
Owner occupied
84.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
Loughshinny's small population of 741 fosters a tight-knit, stable community, reflected in its exceptionally high home ownership rate of 84.8%—well above the national average—suggesting long-term residents who value roots over renting. The crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000 sits just below the national average, indicating a safe, serene spot for families and newcomers alike.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Loughshinny vs national average (%)
Loughshinny
National
With 26% over 65—nearly double the national average—and 16.7% under 14, Loughshinny has a mature yet family-oriented community, blending active retirees with growing young families for a supportive, intergenerational vibe.
Under 14
16.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
26.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
46.7% / 53.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A quarter of residents are retired, and 22% work from home—double the national rate—painting a picture of a relaxed economic scene where traditional employment is balanced by flexible, modern lifestyles in this coastal haven.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
37% hold third-level degrees, close to the national average, suggesting a well-educated populace that's informed and engaged, perfect for those seeking a thoughtful community without urban intensity.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
53.2
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
55.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Lusk Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 53.2 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Lusk Garda subdistrict (population 21,457), which covers Loughshinny and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
How people travel to work
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks—59.8%—drive to work, with low carlessness at 5.2%, making this a car-friendly area ideal for commuters to Dublin. Public transport serves well at 12.4% usage, and the bus from the city is just a 20-minute walk to the beach, though many prefer the independence of driving.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
Ethnicity
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
35.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Loughshinny' derives from the Irish 'Loch Sionnaigh', meaning 'lake of the fox', hinting at a small inlet or lake historically associated with foxes in this coastal landscape. It evokes the area's ancient fishing heritage and wild, rugged shoreline, where nature and folklore intertwine along the Fingal coast.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
84.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
4.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.7%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 84.8% with minimal private renting and just 1.7% flats, Loughshinny is all about spacious family homes and bungalows overlooking the sea, offering stability and that classic Irish coastal property feel.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Loughshinny vs National (%)
Loughshinny
National
80.2% report good or very good health, aligning closely with national figures, which speaks to a healthy, outdoor lifestyle buoyed by beach walks, fresh sea breezes, and the low-stress village pace.