Rotunda is a vibrant, historic pocket in Dublin's North inner city, centered around the iconic 18th-century Rotunda Hospital, one of Europe's oldest maternity hospitals, with its stunning Georgian architecture and the poignant Garden of Remembrance nearby honoring Ireland's fallen soldiers. It's a bustling urban hub near O'Connell Street, alive with a mix of young professionals, students, and families in high-rise apartments, though it has a gritty edge with higher crime and visible urban challenges. The area feels energetic and central, perfect for those who love city buzz but might want to stay alert at night.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
10,117
Census 2022
Owner occupied
7.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
81.5
National avg: 54.1
With a compact population of 10,117, Rotunda is a densely packed urban enclave where private renting dominates at 49.4% compared to just 7.1% owner-occupied—far from the national norms—pointing to a transient, renter-heavy community of short-term residents. The elevated crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 suggests a lively but edgier vibe, so it's best for those comfortable with city hustle who prioritize location over quiet suburbs.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rotunda vs national average (%)
Rotunda
National
Rotunda skews noticeably younger, with only 6.4% over 65 and 14.3% under 14 versus national averages, fostering a dynamic, fast-paced community full of working-age adults and fewer retirees or young families.
Under 14
14.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
6.4%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
51.9% / 48.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The area pulses with activity, as 62.5% are at work—higher than average—though just 6.2% work from home, reflecting a go-getter vibe suited to on-site jobs in the nearby city center.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 31.5% with third-level education—slightly below the national 39.2%—residents are still well-equipped for urban professional life, likely drawn to the area's proximity to Dublin's job hubs and cultural spots.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
81.5
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
51% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
81.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Fitzgibbon Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 81.5 per 1,000 — 51% 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 Fitzgibbon Street Garda subdistrict (population 29,226), which covers Rotunda and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
How people travel to work
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is no car-dependent suburb—42.9% have no car and driving to work is a mere 7%, while 18.8% use public transport, making Rotunda ideal for those who thrive on buses, Luas trams, and walking to O'Connell Street. Its super-central spot means everything's nearby, keeping life efficient and eco-friendly.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
Ethnicity
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
8.4%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Rotunda' derives from the Latin 'rotundus' meaning round, referring to the circular chapel in the historic Rotunda Hospital complex, a gem of 18th-century Georgian design. This name highlights the area's rich medical and architectural heritage, evoking Dublin's elegant past amid its modern urban landscape.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
7.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
49.4%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
19.6%
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
Almost all homes (98%) are flats or apartments, with renting hugely popular at 49.4% versus scant ownership, creating a flexible, affordable rental market perfect for young movers in modern high-rises.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
51.0%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.9%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.7%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rotunda vs National (%)
Rotunda
National
Only 51% report good or very good health—well below the national 82.9%—which might reflect the stresses of inner-city living, but the youthful energy keeps the community resilient and active.
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