Inchicore is a vibrant, historic village-turned-neighbourhood in Dublin 8, blending old-school Irish charm with a buzzing modern energy that earned it a spot as one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out. It's home to a tight-knit community of families, young professionals, and sports enthusiasts, with iconic spots like Richmond Barracks—now a cultural hub—Rascals Brewing for craft beers and pizzas, and St Pat's football ground drawing passionate crowds. Just a short stroll from Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, it feels like a hidden gem with lively pubs, new eateries like Tacos Lupillo and Kari, and a strong sense of local pride.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
5,285
Census 2022
Owner occupied
44.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
With a cosy population of 5,285, Inchicore offers a genuine village feel in the heart of Dublin, where lower home ownership at 44.2% compared to the national 65.9% points to a dynamic rental market attracting newcomers, though the higher crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 residents suggests staying vigilant in this up-and-coming spot.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Inchicore vs national average (%)
Inchicore
National
The age profile is family-friendly with 18.8% under 14 and a balanced 13.6% over 65, fostering a lively community vibe with kids playing and retirees adding warmth and wisdom.
Under 14
18.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
50.0% / 50.0%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Inchicore's workforce mirrors the national employment rate at 56.9% at work and 15% retired, but with just 7.5% working from home, it feels like a place where people are out and about, connecting in the local pubs and community events.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
While 30.3% have third-level education below the national 39.2%, this reflects a down-to-earth, practical community that's increasingly drawing creative and ambitious folks to its trendy new spots.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
137.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
154% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
129.2
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kilmainham Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 137.4 per 1,000 — 154% 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 Kilmainham Garda subdistrict (population 20,738), which covers Inchicore and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
How people travel to work
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far from car-dependent, Inchicore shines with 22.4% using public transport—way above the national 7.9%—thanks to the LUAS red line and handy buses, though 31.1% still drive and 27.7% have no car, making it walkable and commuter-friendly.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
Ethnicity
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
21.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.0%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Inchicore' comes from the Irish 'Inse Chór', meaning 'island of the sheep' or 'ridge of the sheep', hinting at its rural past as a quiet village spot before the railway works and barracks transformed it into a bustling hub. This name evokes the area's pastoral origins amid what’s now a lively urban landscape near the River Camac.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
44.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
22.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
19.2%
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
A mix of 44.2% owner-occupied homes and 22.4% private rentals above national averages, plus 24.7% in flats or apartments versus 13% nationally, gives Inchicore an accessible, varied housing scene perfect for first-time buyers or renters seeking characterful Victorian terraces.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
65.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
15.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Inchicore vs National (%)
Inchicore
National
Good or very good health at 65.6% is lower than the national 82.9%, possibly tied to its urban energy and higher no-car households, but the active lifestyle with sports like football at Richmond Park and climbing at Gravity keeps spirits high.
Other areas in Dublin City
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