Ballinascorney is a peaceful, small rural enclave tucked into the foothills of the Dublin Mountains near Rathfarnham in South Dublin, where the air is fresh and the views stretch out over the city and beyond. It's home to a tight-knit community of families and active folks who cherish the nearby Ballinascorney Golf Club, a welcoming 9-hole parkland course founded in 1971 that's famous for its challenging layout, lively social scene, and post-round pints in the clubhouse. With its glen valley setting and mountain contours, it feels like a hidden gem escape just 10 miles from Dublin's buzz, perfect for those seeking nature without isolation.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
528
Census 2022
Owner occupied
58.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
This tiny neighbourhood of just 528 residents offers a close community vibe with slightly lower home ownership at 58.5% compared to the national 65.9%, and higher private renting at 29.9%, suggesting a mix of long-term families and newcomers. The crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 is a touch above the national average of 54.1, but in such a small, rural spot, it's often minor issues rather than anything serious—still worth chatting to locals about.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballinascorney vs national average (%)
Ballinascorney
National
With 23.3% under 14—well above the national 19.7%—and just 7.6% over 65 versus 15.1% nationally, Ballinascorney buzzes with young families and school-age kids, creating a lively, family-oriented community full of energy.
Under 14
23.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
7.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.2% / 49.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A solid 58.8% are at work, edging out the national 56.1%, with low retirement at 6.4% reflecting a youthful, active workforce where folks are out earning and enjoying the area's outdoors.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education sits at 27.2%, below the national 39.2%, pointing to a practical, hands-on community of tradespeople, families, and golf enthusiasts rather than a highly academic crowd.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
31% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
72.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Tallaght Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 — 31% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Tallaght Garda subdistrict (population 96,949), which covers Ballinascorney and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
How people travel to work
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most drive to work at 64.7%, close to the national 62.4%, with 17.7% having no car—higher than the 13.4% average—and public transport use at 13.8% beating the 7.9% norm, so while car-dependent like much of rural Dublin, buses help keep things connected. Work-from-home is 9.1%, a bit under the 11.3% average, keeping the roads busy with commuters.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
Ethnicity
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
28.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Ballinascorney' comes from the Irish 'Baile an Scornaigh,' meaning 'town of the heron'—a nod to the elegant birds once common in this wetland glen. It evokes the area's ancient pastoral history in the Dublin Mountains, where herons still grace the streams and reservoirs nearby, tying today's peaceful golf haven to Ireland's timeless rural roots.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
58.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
29.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.5%
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
Owner-occupiers make up 58.5% with 29.9% renting privately, and a high 30.5% in flats or apartments versus the national 13%—think cosy hillside homes and modern units blending into the golf club landscape.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
83.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballinascorney vs National (%)
Ballinascorney
National
Good or very good health at 83.3% matches the national 82.9% closely, suggesting a healthy, outdoor-loving lifestyle boosted by mountain walks, golf, and fresh valley air.