Malahide is a picturesque coastal village in Fingal, just 30 minutes from Dublin by train or car, famous for its stunning Malahide Castle and Gardens, sandy beach, marina, and charming streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and traditional pubs. It blends old Irish heritage with modern cosmopolitan vibe, attracting families, professionals, and retirees who love the sea breezes, coastal walks to Portmarnock, and views of Lambay Island and Howth. With a vibrant community of around 18,600, it's a lively yet relaxed spot full of golf courses, the Butterfly House, and tidy award-winning streets that feel like a welcoming seaside escape.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
18,608
Census 2022
Owner occupied
78.7%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
20.7
National avg: 54.1
Malahide's population of 18,608 creates a thriving yet intimate community feel, with a high homeownership rate of 78.7% suggesting stability and pride in the area, well above the national average. The impressively low crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000—less than half the national figure—makes it one of Ireland's safest spots, perfect for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Malahide vs national average (%)
Malahide
National
With 19.9% under 14 and 17.2% over 65, both slightly above national averages, Malahide fosters a balanced, family-friendly community buzzing with kids' energy and the wisdom of retirees.
Under 14
19.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
17.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.0% / 51.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half the population is at work at 56.4%, with a high 19.5% working from home—nearly double the national rate—pointing to a prosperous, flexible professional crowd complemented by 19.7% retirees enjoying the good life.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An exceptional 59.8% have third-level education, far exceeding the national 39.2%, indicating a highly skilled, ambitious community with top-notch local schools and a culture that values learning.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
20.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
62% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
23.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Malahide Garda subdistrict, which covers Malahide, records a crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000 — 62% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Malahide Garda subdistrict (population 34,186), which covers Malahide and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
How people travel to work
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
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 strong public transport use at 19%—more than double the norm—plus 19.5% working from home shows Malahide is well-connected by DART rail to Dublin without being car-dependent. Low no-car households at 7% mean easy access to the marina, beach, and castle on foot or by bike.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
Ethnicity
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
46.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Malahide' comes from the Irish 'Mullach Íde,' meaning 'Ide's hill or summit,' referring to a prominent hill associated with Saint Ide, an early Irish saint. This nods to the area's ancient monastic roots and its gently rolling landscape by the Broadmeadow Estuary and Irish Sea, evoking a deep connection to Ireland's saintly, coastal heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
78.7%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
15.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
2.3%
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 78.7% with just 15.5% renting, the housing mix features mostly family homes alongside 17% flats or apartments, creating a stable neighbourhood with a touch more urban variety than average.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
90.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.9%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
8.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Malahide vs National (%)
Malahide
National
A remarkable 90.3% report good or very good health—higher than the national 82.9%—and only 7% have no car, reflecting an active coastal lifestyle of beach walks, golf, and fresh sea air that keeps residents thriving.