Collinstown is a charming, tight-knit rural village in north Westmeath, overlooking the sparkling shores of Lough Lene, where you'll find a peaceful community vibe centered around local pubs like The Lough Lene Inn and The Maypole Bar, a handy village shop, and the buzz of hurling at Lough Lene Gaels club. It's known for its stunning natural beauty with clear waters perfect for swimming at The Cut, fishing, and walks, plus nearby gems like Tullynally Castle Gardens and Fore Distillery that make it a hidden haven for families and nature lovers. Folks here are friendly, active types who cherish village life with farmers markets, live music, and a real sense of pride in their active clubs and businesses.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
351
Census 2022
Owner occupied
63.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
30.1
National avg: 54.1
With a cozy population of just 351, Collinstown feels like a welcoming small village where most homes are owner-occupied at 63.4%—close to the national average—and an impressively low crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 makes it one of the safest spots around, far below the national 54.1, perfect for families seeking security and stability.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Collinstown vs national average (%)
Collinstown
National
The age profile shows a lively community with a higher-than-average 22.5% under 14 bringing youthful energy, balanced by 14% over 65, suggesting a family-friendly place with room for all generations to thrive.
Under 14
22.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
14.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
51.0% / 49.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Economically, Collinstown mirrors the national picture with 56.6% at work and a slightly higher 12.3% working from home, painting a picture of stable local employment mixed with flexible modern setups in this rural setting.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education stands at a solid 34.9%, just shy of the national 39.2%, indicating a well-educated community that's capable and engaged without being overly academic.
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 Collinstown, 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 Collinstown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
How people travel to work
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent area with 74% driving to work—higher than the national 62.4%—and zero public transport use compared to the average 7.9%, plus only 7.7% without a car, so you'll want reliable wheels to get around the countryside comfortably. That said, the low no-car rate means most folks are set up well for rural life.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
Ethnicity
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
32.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The Irish name Baile na gCailleach translates to 'Town of the Nuns' or 'Settlement of the Old Women,' linking back to a historic convent of nuns on the second island of Lough Lene, evoking the area's deep religious roots with ties to early Christian sites like Fore Abbey and Norman monks. It hints at a landscape shaped by spiritual history amid the tranquil lough setting.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
63.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
9.9%
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 here lean towards owner-occupied family houses at 63.4% versus 16.2% private renting, with just 5.6% flats or apartments—well below the national 13%—giving it a settled, traditional housing feel dominated by spacious houses perfect for roots.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Collinstown vs National (%)
Collinstown
National
Good or very good health at 81.5% is reassuringly close to the national 82.9%, suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by the fresh country air, lake swims, and outdoor pursuits.