Drumfinn is a tight-knit residential enclave in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, known for its modest two-storey terraced homes along quiet streets like Drumfinn Park and Road, overlooking local shops, cafes, and community spots. It's a working-class suburb with a real community feel, home to families, retirees, and long-time locals who value the convenience of nearby neighbourhood centres amid the broader Ballyfermot vibe. Picture friendly chats over garden walls, kids playing safely, and that authentic Dublin westside warmth.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,632
Census 2022
Owner occupied
63.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
With a close community of 3,632 residents, Drumfinn shows strong stability through its high home ownership at 63%, just shy of the national average, suggesting many families putting down roots. The crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 is a bit above average, so it's wise to stay vigilant, but overall it paints a picture of a solid, settled neighbourhood worth considering if you're after community over flash.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Drumfinn vs national average (%)
Drumfinn
National
Drumfinn's age profile is nicely balanced with 18.7% under 14 and 16.5% over 65, fostering a family-friendly vibe where kids and grandparents mingle daily.
Under 14
18.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
16.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.6% / 49.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Over half the population is at work at 52.3%, with retirees making up 17.3%, reflecting a steady, blue-collar economic character where folks balance jobs with family life.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 17.6% is below the national 39.2%, pointing to a practical, hands-on community that values trade skills and local know-how over university degrees.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
25% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
64.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 — 25% 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 Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict (population 32,849), which covers Drumfinn and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
How people travel to work
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Driving dominates at 51.7% but public transport use is a strong 17.3%—well above average—making Drumfinn handy for bus links into the city, though with 30.6% carless households, it's less car-dependent than many suburbs. Work-from-home is low at 4.6%, so expect lively streets during rush hour.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
Ethnicity
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
19.1%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Drumfinn' comes from the Irish 'Droim Finn', meaning 'white ridge' or 'white hill', hinting at the area's historical landscape of pale, elevated ground in old Ballyfermot farmlands. It evokes a pastoral past before suburban growth, connecting today's community to Dublin's rural roots.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
63.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
7.3%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
22.8%
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
Mostly owner-occupied at 63% with low private renting of 7.3%, the housing is predominantly houses rather than the 7.1% flats/apartments, creating stable streets of family homes.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
75.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
13.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.2%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
20.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Drumfinn vs National (%)
Drumfinn
National
Good or very good health stands at 75.4%, a touch below average, suggesting a typical suburban lifestyle with room for more active pursuits amid everyday routines.
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