Brittas is a charming, tiny rural village nestled in the lower Dublin Mountains, just 18km southwest of Dublin city centre along the N81 road near the Wicklow border, offering a peaceful escape with fresh mountain air and scenic views. It's known for its unique 2018 sycamore tree stump carvings depicting Irish mythology figures, the source of the River Camac, and historic spots like the ancient Brittas Ponds with a possible Bronze Age crannog. Home to a close-knit community of families, professionals, and retirees who cherish the quiet countryside vibe away from urban hustle.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
166
Census 2022
Owner occupied
82.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
With just 166 residents, Brittas feels like a hidden gem of a village, boasting an exceptionally high home ownership rate of 82% that speaks to long-term stability and pride in the community, far above the national average. While the crime rate at 70.7 per 1,000 is a touch higher than average, the small size and rural setting mean it's still a safe, neighbourly spot where everyone knows each other.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Brittas vs national average (%)
Brittas
National
The youthful vibe shines through with 22.3% under 14—higher than average—balanced by a slightly lower 12% over 65, painting a picture of a family-friendly community buzzing with kids and active working adults.
Under 14
22.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
54.8% / 45.2%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Brittas residents are productively employed at 62%, with a good chunk working from home at 12.5%, suggesting a mix of local professionals and commuters who value flexibility in this serene setting.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
A solid 40.2% have third-level education, just edging the national average, indicating a well-educated populace likely drawn to the area's natural beauty for a balanced lifestyle.
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 Brittas and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
How people travel to work
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent area, with 71.2% driving to work and only 6.2% using public transport, reflecting its rural mountain location without frequent bus services. Low carlessness at 4% means getting around by car is the norm, perfect if you love the open road.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
Ethnicity
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
34.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
3.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Brittas' comes from the Irish 'Briotáis', meaning 'wooden parapet' or 'boarding/planking'—a term borrowed from old French 'brattice' used in medieval fortifications. It evokes the area's historic landscape of wooded slopes and defensive structures in the Dublin Mountains, tying into its rugged, forested past along ancient travel routes.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
82.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
4.0%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
—%
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 82% with minimal private renting at 4%, and zero flats or apartments, Brittas is all about spacious family homes and bungalows in a traditional rural mix that fosters deep roots.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
4.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
7.8%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Brittas vs National (%)
Brittas
National
Impressive 85.5% report good or very good health, beating the national average, which hints at a healthy, outdoor-loving lifestyle boosted by the fresh mountain air and active community.