Shankill is a charming coastal village in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, blending a tidy, award-winning main street vibe with family homes nestled between the Dublin Mountains and the Irish Sea. It's known for its beach proximity, Shanganagh Park, and spots like Shankill Beach and Ballycorus Lead Mines, attracting families who love the seaside walks, local pubs like Brady's, and excellent schools such as Rathmichael National School. With a close-knit community feel, it's a hidden gem for those seeking village life just 18km from Dublin city centre.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
11,009
Census 2022
Owner occupied
73.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
Shankill's population of 11,009 creates a welcoming, small-community atmosphere that's stable and family-focused, reflected in its high home ownership rate of 73.4%—well above the national average—suggesting long-term residents who invest in the area. The low crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000, compared to the national 54.1, adds to its appeal as a safe, peaceful spot to call home.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Shankill vs national average (%)
Shankill
National
With 17.4% under 14 and 18.3% over 65—slightly fewer kids but more seniors than average—this balanced age profile points to a mature, family-oriented community where generations mix comfortably.
Under 14
17.4%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
18.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Shankill's economy hums with 54.1% at work and a strong 16.6% working from home, painting a picture of professionals enjoying flexible, modern careers alongside retirees at 19%.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
The impressive 49.7% with third-level education—higher than the national 39.2%—suggests a well-educated, ambitious community with access to top local schools like Woodbrook College.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
28% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
40.7
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Shankill Garda subdistrict, which covers Shankill, records a crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000 — 28% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Shankill Garda subdistrict (population 22,235), which covers Shankill and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
How people travel to work
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 52.6% drive to work, Shankill stands out with 20.5% using public transport—far above the national 7.9%—thanks to reliable DART and bus services to Dublin, making it less car-dependent than many suburbs. Only 10.4% have no car, so it's handy for all.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
Ethnicity
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
38.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Shankill comes from the Irish 'Seanchill', meaning 'old church', nodding to its ancient roots around historic sites like Rathmichael Church amid the rural landscape that once defined it. This name evokes a timeless village heritage, from medieval times through its evolution into a genteel suburb near the Wicklow border.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
73.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
11.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.3%
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
Predominantly owner-occupied at 73.4% with just 11.5% private renting, the housing mix favors family homes and semi-detached houses over the 12.1% flats, fostering a settled, suburban feel.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
87.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Shankill vs National (%)
Shankill
National
An 87.1% rate of good or very good health—better than the national 82.9%—hints at an active lifestyle boosted by coastal paths, parks, and the fresh sea air.