Kinnegad is a welcoming, prosperous little town straddling the Westmeath-Meath border, perfectly positioned at the M4 and M6 motorway junction about 60km from Dublin, making it a handy stop for weary travellers heading west. It's got a rich history from Queen Elizabeth I gifting lands here in 1559 to its ancient roots with trails like An Boreen Bradach that weave through bogs, burial grounds, and castle ruins like Rattin Castle, giving it a charming mix of heritage and natural beauty. Families and commuters thrive here in this tight-knit community, with a fun local legend as the 'love capital of Ireland' where romance supposedly sparks at the crossroads for coach passengers.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,064
Census 2022
Owner occupied
64.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
63.4
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just over 3,000, Kinnegad feels like a close community that's grown steadily as a commuter hub, boasting solid home ownership at 64.2% that's right in line with the national average. The crime rate of 63.4 per 1,000 is a touch above average, but it's still a safe, family-friendly spot overall.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Kinnegad vs national average (%)
Kinnegad
National
Kinnegad's younger vibe shines through with 22.9% under 14—higher than average—and just 7.1% over 65, painting a picture of an energetic community buzzing with families and school-age kids.
Under 14
22.9%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
7.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.7% / 49.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Most folks here are hardworking commuters with 59.4% at work and a low 7.5% retired, reflecting a vibrant, active local economy geared towards daily breadwinners.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education sits at 29.1%, below the national 39.2%, suggesting a practical, hands-on community where many prioritise trade skills or local opportunities over university degrees.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
63.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Kinnegad Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 63.4 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Kinnegad Garda subdistrict (population 2,715), which covers Kinnegad and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
How people travel to work
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent town with 67.3% driving to work and only 6.9% without a car—well below average—plus a decent 8.9% using public transport and buses to Dublin. You'll need wheels for everyday life, but the motorway makes zipping to the capital straightforward.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
Ethnicity
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
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
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Kinnegad's Irish name, Cionn Átha Gad, translates to 'head of the ford of withes,' referring to the spot upstream on the River Kinnegad where flexible willow branches—withes—were once gathered to weave baskets or ropes for crossing the ford. This nods to the area's ancient riverside heritage, marking the old boundary between Westmeath and Meath since 1543 and evoking a landscape of waterways and wetlands.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
64.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
20.8%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
10.0%
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 owner-occupied at 64.2% with lower private renting than average and just 7.7% in flats or apartments, meaning plenty of family houses and bungalows in a mostly low-rise, suburban feel.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
82.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Kinnegad vs National (%)
Kinnegad
National
Good health is strong at 82.1%, matching the national picture closely, which points to a healthy, active lifestyle supported by walks along the Royal Canal Greenway and local trails.