Raheny is a charming coastal village in north Dublin, nestled between Clontarf and Howth, with a historic heart dating back to 570 AD and a relaxed seaside vibe that feels like a peaceful escape from the city buzz. It's known for its stunning St Anne's Park, the second largest in Dublin with rose gardens, sports pitches, and playgrounds, plus easy access to Bull Island's sandy Dollymount Strand and nature reserve. Families, professionals, and retirees love its welcoming community spirit, boutique shops, cosy pubs like The Watermill, and eateries from Italian to farm-fresh café fare at Olive’s Room in the park.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
8,734
Census 2022
Owner occupied
75.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
44.8
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of 8,734, Raheny boasts a high homeownership rate of 75.8% well above the national average, suggesting a stable, family-oriented community where people put down roots. Its low crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000—safer than the national 54.1—makes it a reassuring choice for those seeking security in a suburban coastal spot.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Raheny vs national average (%)
Raheny
National
Raheny's age profile skews towards stability with fewer young children at 16.5% under 14 and a higher-than-average 21.6% over 65, painting a picture of a mature, family-friendly neighbourhood buzzing with multi-generational life.
Under 14
16.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
21.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.3% / 51.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Raheny hums with a solid economic pulse where 52.9% are at work, a notable 16.7% work from home, and 22.6% enjoy retirement, reflecting a balanced mix of professionals embracing flexible setups alongside those savouring post-career leisure.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting 46.8% with third-level education—higher than the national 39.2%—Raheny attracts ambitious, well-educated residents who value knowledge and likely contribute to its vibrant local scene.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
44.8
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
44.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Raheny Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 44.8 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Raheny Garda subdistrict (population 21,448), which covers Raheny and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
How people travel to work
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Raheny strikes a great balance for commuters with excellent DART access on Howth and Malahide lines zipping you to Dublin city centre in under 15 minutes, plus 25.1% using public transport—far above the national 7.9%—though 44.4% still drive and only 15.9% have no car, making it less car-dependent than many areas.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
Ethnicity
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
41.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Raheny derives from the Irish 'Ráth Eanaigh', meaning 'ringfort of the marshy place', nodding to its ancient history of a protective ringfort amid boggy lands near the coast. This etymology evokes Raheny's deep roots in Ireland's pastoral past, now beautifully complemented by its modern green spaces like St Anne's Park.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
75.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.5%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 75.8% with low private renting at 12.4%, Raheny features a mix of family homes and 14.9% flats or apartments slightly above average, fostering a settled, suburban feel with village charm.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Raheny vs National (%)
Raheny
National
Residents report excellent wellbeing with 85.9% in good or very good health above the national 82.9%, hinting at an active lifestyle boosted by seaside walks, park strolls, and fresh coastal air.
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