Saint Kevin's is a vibrant, compact city-central neighbourhood in Dublin 2, just south of the heart of the action, known for its terraced houses, bustling streets around Portobello and Harcourt, and historic gems like St. Kevin's Park with its ancient church ruins and graveyard. It's got a lively, urban feel with a mix of young professionals, students, and some long-term locals, all drawn to its proximity to St. Stephen's Green, trendy cafes on Camden Street, and the canal-side charm. Regeneration is bringing fresh energy, making it feel like a hidden gem with real community buzz amid the flats and terraces.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
5,732
Census 2022
Owner occupied
15.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of just 5,732 in a tiny 0.6 km² area, Saint Kevin's is a dense, intimate urban spot where low home ownership at 15.5% and high renting at 60.7% point to a transient, renter-friendly vibe popular with young city dwellers. The elevated crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000 suggests it's edgier than average, so keep that in mind if you're house-hunting, but its central location offers great value with average property prices around €810K.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Saint Kevin's vs national average (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
A youthful community shines through with only 15% under 14 and 7.6% over 65, well below national averages, fostering a dynamic, energetic atmosphere perfect for singles and young families starting out.
Under 14
15.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
7.6%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
54.2% / 45.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This area's buzzing economically, with 69.6% at work and a solid 12.5% working from home, reflecting a professional crowd thriving in flexible, city-based jobs rather than traditional retirement.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
High third-level education at 54.4% indicates a smart, ambitious residents' mix of graduates and professionals, suggesting a culturally engaged neighbourhood full of innovative thinkers and career climbers.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
141.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
162% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
125.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Kevin Street Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 141.7 per 1,000 — 162% 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 Kevin Street Garda subdistrict (population 34,549), which covers Saint Kevin's and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
How people travel to work
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Far from car-dependent, Saint Kevin's sees 46.2% with no car and most folks either walking, cycling, or using public transport at 13%, with just 11% driving—ideal for its super-central spot near Harcourt Luas stops and everything on foot. It's a walkable haven in car-mad Dublin.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
Ethnicity
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
16.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Saint Kevin's' or 'Paróiste Chaoimhín' in Irish honours Saint Kevin (Caoimhín, meaning 'gentle' or 'fair-born'), the 6th-century hermit who founded Glendalough monastery amid Wicklow's wild landscapes. This name ties the area to Ireland's ancient Christian roots, reflected in its historic church ruins in St. Kevin's Park, evoking a layered history from medieval parishes to Huguenot refuge right in the city centre.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
15.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
60.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
8.3%
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 rental at 60.7% with 68.7% in flats or apartments, it's a hub for city renters seeking terraced gems or modern units, offering affordability and flexibility over the national owner-occupier norm.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
60.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
5.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
14.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Saint Kevin's vs National (%)
Saint Kevin's
National
Health stats at 60.6% good or very good hint at an urban lifestyle with its stresses and fast pace taking a toll, so prioritise self-care amid the excitement of city living here.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSouth DockUshersWalkinstownWhitehallWood Quay