Clonmellon is a charming village in County Westmeath built in the late 18th century by Sir Benjamin Chapman, sitting on the border with County Meath along the N52 road. It's known for its distinctive broad Main Street and beautiful Market Square dating back to 1835, which remains the heart of community life with cafes, shops and a thriving farmers market. The village has deep historical roots — it's said Sir Walter Raleigh once planted Ireland's first potatoes at nearby Killua Castle — and today it's a tight-knit, family-oriented community where locals take pride in maintaining their heritage through restoration projects and community initiatives.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
702
Census 2022
Owner occupied
72.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
23.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 702, Clonmellon is a small, intimate village where homeownership is notably strong at 72.2%, well above the national average, reflecting a stable, settled community. The crime rate of 23.9 per 1,000 is less than half the national average, making it a particularly safe place to live.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Clonmellon vs national average (%)
Clonmellon
National
The community skews slightly younger than Ireland overall, with 21.5% under 14 and a notably lower proportion of over-65s at 10.1%, suggesting a village with young families and fewer retirees than typical.
Under 14
21.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
10.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.1% / 50.9%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment is strong at 60.4% with most people driving to work (79.9%), reflecting a rural area where car dependency is essential and public transport is minimal, though a healthy 10.9% work from home.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education attainment at 26.6% is notably below the national average of 39.2%, suggesting the community may have more school-leavers entering trades and practical work rather than pursuing university degrees.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
23.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
56% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
27.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Delvin Garda subdistrict, which covers Clonmellon, records a crime rate of 23.9 per 1,000 — 56% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Delvin Garda subdistrict (population 4,770), which covers Clonmellon and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
How people travel to work
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is decidedly car-dependent territory — 79.9% of workers drive to work and only 0.9% use public transport, compared to national averages of 62.4% and 7.9% respectively. With minimal public transport infrastructure, having your own vehicle is practically essential for work and daily life.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
Ethnicity
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
2.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Clonmellon's Irish name is Ráistín, derived from the Irish word 'rás' meaning 'fort' or 'rath', indicating the area's ancient settlement history. The name reflects the landscape's historical importance as a fortified settlement, connecting today's village to its medieval roots in the Irish midlands.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
72.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
11.8%
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
The housing stock is overwhelmingly traditional single houses rather than apartments, with just 1.7% living in flats compared to 13% nationally, and very high owner-occupation at 72.2% with low private renting at 12.2%.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
86.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.9%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Clonmellon vs National (%)
Clonmellon
National
The community reports excellent health outcomes, with 86.6% in good or very good health — above the national average — and notably low car-free households at 5.5%, suggesting an active, mobile population.