Rathfarnham is a mature, leafy suburb in South Dublin with a strong family-oriented vibe, nestled between the Dodder River and the Dublin Mountains, offering easy access to vast green spaces like Marlay Park, Bushy Park, and St. Enda's Park for walks, sports, and family picnics. It's known for its historic Rathfarnham Castle, cozy village center with local butchers, pubs like The Old Orchard, and a real community spirit centered around top GAA clubs such as Ballyboden St. Enda's. While it lacks buzzing nightlife, it's a peaceful haven where neighbors know each other and kids play safely in the parks.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
20,131
Census 2022
Owner occupied
76.7%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 20,000, Rathfarnham feels like a thriving yet settled community, boasting a high home ownership rate of 76.7% that speaks to stability and long-term residents, far above the national average. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000—well below the national 54.1—makes it one of Dublin's safer spots, perfect for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rathfarnham vs national average (%)
Rathfarnham
National
The age profile shows a slightly older community with 20.9% over 65 (above the national 15.1%) and fewer young children at 16.2% (under the national 19.7%), suggesting a settled, mature neighborhood full of retirees and established families rather than young starters.
Under 14
16.2%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
20.9%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.0% / 53.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Rathfarnham has a professional economic character, with 51.9% at work, a high 18% working from home, and 21.8% retired, painting a picture of flexible, affluent careers blended with comfortable retirement.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
An impressive 64.1% have third-level education—much higher than the national 39.2%—indicating a well-educated, professional crowd that values learning and likely supports excellent local schools.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
37% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
37.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict, which covers Rathfarnham, records a crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 — 37% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict (population 55,667), which covers Rathfarnham and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
How people travel to work
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 48.6% drive to work (less than the national 62.4%), it's not overly car-dependent thanks to handy bus routes like the 15B, 16, and 161 into the city, plus 12.9% using public transport and the Dundrum Luas just 20 minutes away; only 10.5% have no car, so options abound.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
Ethnicity
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
48.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Rathfarnham' comes from the Irish 'Ráth Fearnhamhan', meaning 'ringfort of the alder trees', highlighting its ancient origins as a defended settlement amid the lush, alder-lined banks of the Dodder River. This nods to Rathfarnham's deep rural history before it grew into a suburb, with echoes in its green valleys and historic castle.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
76.7%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
17.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.6%
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 76.7% with just 17.6% renting, the mix includes family homes alongside 18% flats or apartments (above national average), offering stability for buyers and some rental choices in a desirable spot.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.5%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rathfarnham vs National (%)
Rathfarnham
National
Exceptional 88.7% report good or very good health (beating the national 82.9%), suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle fueled by all those parks, fresh air, and outdoor pursuits.