Walkinstown is a welcoming, mature suburb on Dublin's southside, just six kilometres from the city centre, known for its post-WWII starter homes that give it a cosy, family-oriented feel with tree-lined streets and pockets of community spirit. It's home to a mix of long-time residents, families, and retirees who enjoy local gems like Walkinstown Park with its sports pitches and playground, the community centre, library, schools, pubs, and St. Paul's Catholic Church. Surrounded by bustling spots like the Walkinstown Roundabout and Long Mile Road's shops and industry, it blends quiet residential charm with everyday convenience.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,442
Census 2022
Owner occupied
61.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
84.7
National avg: 54.1
With a close-knit population of 7,442, Walkinstown shows solid home ownership at 61.8% – just a touch below the national average – suggesting a stable, family-focused community where people put down roots. The higher crime rate of 84.7 per 1,000 compared to the national 54.1 calls for everyday vigilance, but it's still a settled area many call home for its community vibe.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Walkinstown vs national average (%)
Walkinstown
National
The balanced age profile, with 16.6% under 14 and 16.5% over 65 – both near or above national averages – paints a picture of a vibrant, multi-generational community full of kids playing in the parks and active retirees contributing to local life.
Under 14
16.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
16.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.2% / 50.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Walkinstown buzzes with economic steadiness, as 58.9% are at work (above the national average), 17.3% retired, and a practical 9.3% working from home, reflecting a hardworking neighbourhood adapted to modern shifts.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 32.4% with third-level education – below the national 39.2% – this suggests a down-to-earth community valuing practical skills and local schooling over high academia, perfect for families prioritising real-world experience.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
84.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
57% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
81.4
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Crumlin Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 84.7 per 1,000 — 57% 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 Crumlin Garda subdistrict (population 19,545), which covers Walkinstown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
How people travel to work
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
People here lean less on cars than most, with 42% driving (well under the national 62.4%) and a strong 15.6% using public transport (double the average), thanks to handy bus links from the busy Walkinstown Roundabout. Nearly one in five households have no car, making it less car-dependent and easier for non-drivers.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
Ethnicity
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
25.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.7%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Walkinstown's Irish name, Baile Bhailcín, translates to 'town of little Bailcín' or homestead of the descendant of Bailcín, but it's a corruption of the old English 'Wilkinstown,' named after 15th-century tenant farmer Wilkins. This nods to its rural farming past before it grew into a post-war suburb, with echoes in lost landmarks like Walkinstown House amid today's fields-turned-supermarkets.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
61.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
16.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
10.1%
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 privately owned houses from its post-war estate days, with 61.8% owner-occupied and 16.1% renting, plus a slightly higher 15.9% in flats or apartments, it offers a mix suited to families buying their first home alongside some rental options.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
71.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Walkinstown vs National (%)
Walkinstown
National
While 71.5% report good or very good health – lower than the national 82.9% – and 19.1% have no car (above average), it hints at an active lifestyle with walks to parks, sports grounds, and community spots keeping folks connected and moving.
Other areas in Dublin City
Arran QuayAshtownAyrfieldBallyboughBallygallBallymunBeaumontBotanicCabraCarnaChapelizodCherry OrchardClontarf EastClontarf WestCrumlinDeciesDrumcondra SouthDrumfinnEdenmoreFinglas NorthFinglas SouthGrace ParkHarmonstownInchicoreInns QuayKilmainhamKimmageKylemoreMansion HouseMerchants QuayMountjoyNorth CityNorth DockPembroke EastPembroke WestPhoenix ParkPriorswoodRahenyRathmines EastRathmines WestRotundaRoyal ExchangeSaint Kevin'sSouth DockUshersWhitehallWood Quay