Clondalkin is a vibrant, working-class suburb in South Dublin with a strong community spirit, known for its historic round tower and monastic heritage amid modern estates and local shops. It's a family-oriented place where you'll find friendly faces at the village centre, good schools, and green spaces like Corkagh Park, attracting young families and long-time locals who appreciate its authentic suburban feel away from the city hustle.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
38,550
Census 2022
Owner occupied
53.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
85.8
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 38,550, Clondalkin is a sizable suburban community where just over half of homes are owner-occupied, below the national average, suggesting a mix of stable families and renters seeking affordability. The crime rate at 85.8 per 1,000 is higher than the national average of 54.1, so it's worth being street-smart, but many residents feel safe in their daily lives and love the area's value.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Clondalkin vs national average (%)
Clondalkin
National
A youthful community with 20% under 14 and only 12.3% over 65 shines through in its lively parks, schools, and family events, making it ideal for raising kids.
Under 14
20.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
12.3%
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
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Most folks here are at work at 55.3%, with a practical mix of local jobs and commutes, though lower work-from-home rates reflect a hands-on workforce keeping the area buzzing.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 22% trails the national 39.2%, pointing to a community of skilled tradespeople and practical professionals rather than office grads, which suits its down-to-earth vibe.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
85.8
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
59% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
81.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Clondalkin Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 85.8 per 1,000 — 59% 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 Clondalkin Garda subdistrict (population 36,035), which covers Clondalkin and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
How people travel to work
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Driving dominates at 57% with 17.5% having no car, making it somewhat car-dependent, but strong public transport use at 15.7%—well above the national 7.9%—means reliable buses to Dublin city centre keep things connected without the gridlock.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
Ethnicity
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
25.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Clondalkin' comes from the Irish 'Cluain Dolcáin,' meaning 'Dalkin's meadow' or 'little meadow of the dolcán (a type of thornbush),' evoking its ancient roots as a fertile monastic settlement by the River Grange. This name hints at the area's lush, green landscape and 9th-century history, seen today in the iconic round tower that stands as a proud landmark.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
53.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
24.5%
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
A solid mix of owner-occupied houses at 53.8% alongside 16.2% private renting and just 12.8% flats offers affordability for families, with plenty of semis and terraced homes in established estates.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
77.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Clondalkin vs National (%)
Clondalkin
National
Good or very good health reported by 77.3% suggests a healthy, active lifestyle with parks and sports clubs, though slightly below the national average—perfect for families who stay fit outdoors.