Ballygall is a welcoming, family-oriented suburb in Dublin 11, nestled between Finglas and Glasnevin, known for its tight-knit community feel and easy access to green spaces like nearby Glasnevin Cemetery and local parks. It's a place where generations of families have put down roots, with a mix of hardworking locals, retirees enjoying quiet evenings, and young families raising kids in a down-to-earth atmosphere. You'll find friendly chats at the local shops on Ballygall Road and a real sense of neighbourhood pride amid the typical Dublin suburban vibe.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
11,704
Census 2022
Owner occupied
70.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 11,704, Ballygall is a comfortably sized community that feels stable and settled, boasting a high home ownership rate of 70.2% which suggests strong roots and pride in the area. The crime rate at 59.9 per 1,000 is slightly above the national average of 54.1, but it's still a safe spot for everyday living, especially compared to Dublin's busier inner city zones.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballygall vs national average (%)
Ballygall
National
Ballygall has a mature community vibe with 20.2% over 65—higher than the national 15.1%—and fewer young kids at 16.8% under 14 versus 19.7% nationally, pointing to a supportive environment for retirees alongside steady family life.
Under 14
16.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
20.2%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The area hums with steady employment at 53.9% at work, a solid 21.7% retired, and 10.4% working from home, painting a picture of reliable jobs, flexible modern work, and a relaxed pace for those winding down.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 34.4% with third-level education—close to the national 39.2%—Ballygall residents bring a practical, community-focused smarts that supports local schools and everyday ambitions without being overly academic.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
59.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Finglas Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Finglas Garda subdistrict (population 55,083), which covers Ballygall and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
How people travel to work
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
People here rely more on cars with 48.1% driving to work, but public transport shines at 18.1%—well above the national 7.9%—thanks to handy bus routes along Finglas Road connecting to the city centre. It's not fully car-dependent, making it commuter-friendly without the inner-city hassle.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
Ethnicity
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
34.3%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Ballygall comes from the Irish 'Baile Ghabhann', meaning 'town of the fork' or 'Gabhann's townland', hinting at its rural past with branching paths or streams in the old farmland north of Dublin. This nods to its historic roots as a quiet homestead before suburban growth, tying into the area's enduring community spirit.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
70.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
13.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
11.4%
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
High ownership at 70.2% trumps the national 65.9%, with lower private renting at 13.2%, and a bit more flats/apartments at 14.9% than average—think solid family homes mixed with some modern units for first-timers.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
79.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballygall vs National (%)
Ballygall
National
Good or very good health at 79.4% is solid though slightly under the 82.9% national average, suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle with walks in local parks and community support keeping folks well.
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