Castlepollard is a charming historic village in north Westmeath, centered around a picturesque square with a village green, surrounded by unspoilt countryside near Lough Lene and Lough Derravaragh. Founded by the Pollard family in the late 16th century with their castle at the heart, it's known for its Georgian architecture, two castles including nearby Tullynally, and a strong community spirit driven by local development efforts like new parks and digital hubs. Families, retirees, and entrepreneurs thrive here in this welcoming market town that's just over an hour from Dublin, blending rural peace with everyday amenities like shops, pubs, and schools.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
1,349
Census 2022
Owner occupied
58.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
30.1
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of 1,349, Castlepollard feels like a safe, friendly village where home ownership at 58.9% is solid though slightly below the national average, and an impressively low crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000—half the national figure—makes it a reassuring choice for families thinking of settling down.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Castlepollard vs national average (%)
Castlepollard
National
A youthful vibe shines through with 21.3% under 14 and a balanced 17.1% over 65, suggesting a lively family-oriented community full of schoolkids and active retirees who keep things buzzing.
Under 14
21.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
17.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.3% / 52.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The local economy hums with 43.8% at work, a notable 19.1% retired, and businesses like Mergon International alongside shops and pubs serving the hinterland, though work-from-home is lower at 6.3%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 22.7% is below the national 39.2%, pointing to a practical, hands-on community where local primary and secondary schools meet everyday needs rather than a highly academic focus.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
30.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
44% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
24.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Castlepollard Garda subdistrict, which covers Castlepollard, records a crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 — 44% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Castlepollard Garda subdistrict (population 4,715), which covers Castlepollard and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
How people travel to work
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent area with 75.8% driving to work—higher than the national average—and just 1.3% using public transport, so you'll want reliable wheels to navigate the rural roads to Mullingar or beyond. Low no-car households at 12.5% mean most folks are set up for it.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
Ethnicity
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
30.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Castlepollard comes from English origins tied to the Pollard family who built the castle, but in Irish it's Baile na gCros meaning 'town of the crosses,' hinting at ancient crossroads where it started as a meeting point of major routes like Dublin-Granard and Mullingar-Cavan. Alternatively Cionn Toirc translates to 'head of the boar,' evoking the wild, forested landscape of historic north Westmeath that shaped its market town roots.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
58.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
19.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
16.7%
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
Homes are mostly traditional houses with only 5.3% flats or apartments, where 58.9% owner-occupy and 19.2% privately rent, offering stability for buyers and options for newcomers in this low-density village setting.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
11.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
18.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Castlepollard vs National (%)
Castlepollard
National
Residents enjoy good or very good health at 81.2%, close to the national average, reflecting a healthy outdoor lifestyle amid the lakes and countryside that keeps everyone feeling vibrant.