Portmarnock is a charming seaside village in Fingal with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, known for its long sandy beach, world-class golf club, and picturesque Dublin Bay views that draw runners, kite surfers, and families on sunny days. It's a homely spot with traditional shop fronts, cosy cafés, and easy access to everything you need, blending historic charm like the medieval castle ruins and Martello Tower with modern conveniences just a short stroll from the village centre. Families, professionals, and retirees love calling this safe, welcoming community home.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
10,750
Census 2022
Owner occupied
80.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
20.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 10,750, Portmarnock feels like a thriving yet close-knit coastal village where 80.9% home ownership reflects strong community roots and stability, far 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
Portmarnock vs national average (%)
Portmarnock
National
A balanced age profile with 21.3% under 14 and 21% over 65 creates a vibrant, intergenerational community full of kids playing on the beach and active retirees enjoying golf links strolls.
Under 14
21.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
21.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.8% / 51.2%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Portmarnock's residents are economically active with 56.5% at work and a high 18.3% working from home—well above average—suggesting a professional crowd valuing flexibility alongside solid employment.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Exceptionally high third-level education at 55.7% points to a well-educated, ambitious community of professionals who bring a thoughtful, upwardly mobile energy to village life.
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 Portmarnock, 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 Portmarnock and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
How people travel to work
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 50.2% drive to work, Portmarnock stands out with 22.5% using public transport—triple the national average—thanks to handy DART links to Dublin city centre, making it less car-dependent than most suburbs. Low no-car households at 6.2% mean easy getaways to the beach or golf without hassle.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
Ethnicity
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
44.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Portmarnock' comes from the Irish 'Port Marnoc,' meaning 'port of Marnoc' or Saint Marnoch, a 5th-century monk said to have landed here, highlighting its ancient Christian heritage tied to the sea. This name evokes the area's deep maritime history, from Neolithic settlements to its role as a landing point for transatlantic flights, perfectly suiting its beachfront landscape.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
80.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
13.0%
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
Predominantly owner-occupied at 80.9% with just 13% renting, the housing mix favours family homes alongside 17.2% flats or apartments, offering stability for long-term settlers in this desirable spot.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
89.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
7.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Portmarnock vs National (%)
Portmarnock
National
Outstanding 89.1% reporting good or very good health reflects an active lifestyle shaped by beach walks, golf, and fresh sea air that keeps everyone feeling great.