Rochfortbridge is a welcoming, close-knit village in Westmeath, nestled between Milltownpass and Tyrrellspass, with a friendly, family-oriented vibe thanks to its central playground, O'Reilly's cosy café for coffee and hearty breakfasts, and spots like Rock 'n' Bowl bowling alley with soft play for kids. It's grown steadily as a commuter haven along the M6 motorway to Dublin and Galway, attracting families who once worked at the nearby Bord na Móna peat works in Derrygreenagh, now enjoying its peaceful rural charm near Belvedere House's stunning gardens and Killbeggan Racecourse.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
1,498
Census 2022
Owner occupied
74.6%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
73.6
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just 1,498, Rochfortbridge feels like a tight-knit rural village where most folks—74.6%—own their homes, well above the national average, suggesting strong community roots and stability. The crime rate at 73.6 per 1,000 is a bit higher than the national 54.1, but it's still a safe, low-key spot overall.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rochfortbridge vs national average (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
A youthful 21% under 14 and 14% over 65 create a vibrant, family-focused community with plenty of kids playing in the village playground and retirees adding that warm, generational wisdom.
Under 14
21.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
14.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.2% / 50.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Half the residents are at work, with a good number retired, painting a picture of steady local jobs mixed with M6-enabled commutes, though work-from-home is lower at 4.5%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 24.4% with third-level education—below the national 39.2%—this is a practical, hands-on community valuing trade skills and local know-how over degrees.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
73.6
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
36% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
71.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Rochfortbridge Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 73.6 per 1,000 — 36% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Rochfortbridge Garda subdistrict (population 1,807), which covers Rochfortbridge and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
How people travel to work
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
It's very much a car-dependent village, with 76% driving to work versus the national 62.4%, low public transport use at 5.1%, and only 9.5% without a car. The M6 motorway makes zipping to Dublin or Galway straightforward for most.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
Ethnicity
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Rochfortbridge' or Droichead Dhá Chláir in Irish translates to 'Bridge of the Two Flats/Levels,' hinting at its historic bridge spanning a gentle landscape shift in the flat midlands. This nods to the area's practical farming heritage and the Rochfort family's 18th-century estate at nearby Belvedere House, blending Norman roots with rural bridge engineering.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
74.6%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
7.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.6%
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
Predominantly owner-occupied family homes at 74.6% with minimal flats at 1.7%, private renting is low at 7.4%, giving it a settled, suburban-rural feel with Bord na Móna legacy housing.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
80.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rochfortbridge vs National (%)
Rochfortbridge
National
Solid health at 80.6% reporting good or very good—close to the national average—suggests a healthy, active lifestyle with fresh air, playgrounds, and nearby walks at Belvedere House.