Baldoyle is a charming coastal suburb on Dublin's northside in Fingal, evolved from a quaint fishing village into a welcoming community with a relaxed seaside vibe, sandy beaches, and stunning views of Ireland's Eye and Howth. It's known for its friendly main street lined with pubs like the Elphin, a modern library with sea vistas, a Lidl precinct, and easy access to Clongriffin DART station, attracting families, professionals, and retirees who love the mix of village feel and suburban convenience near Portmarnock and Sutton. New developments like The Coast on the old racecourse are bringing fresh energy while preserving its tight-knit, community-oriented character.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,864
Census 2022
Owner occupied
73.5%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
39.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 7,864, Baldoyle feels like a thriving yet manageable coastal community where 73.5% home ownership signals strong stability and family roots compared to the national average. The low crime rate of 39.1 per 1,000—well below the national 54.1—makes it a reassuringly safe spot for everyday living.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Baldoyle vs national average (%)
Baldoyle
National
Baldoyle's age profile is nicely balanced with 18.3% under 14 and 17.1% over 65, fostering a vibrant, intergenerational community full of kids playing on the beach and active retirees enjoying the promenade.
Under 14
18.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
17.1%
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
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Economically, Baldoyle hums with 57.1% at work and a solid 15% working from home—higher than average—pointing to a mix of local professionals and flexible remote workers who value the area's calm over city hustle.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
The 43.4% third-level education rate, above the national 39.2%, suggests a well-educated, ambitious community of thinkers and go-getters who bring a thoughtful, upwardly mobile energy to neighbourhood life.
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
40.9
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Howth Garda subdistrict, which covers Baldoyle, 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 Howth Garda subdistrict (population 21,026), which covers Baldoyle and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
How people travel to work
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Public transport shines here with 24.5% using it—far above the national 7.9%—thanks to handy Dublin Bus H1/H2 routes and nearby Clongriffin DART, while 44.5% drive and just 13.3% have no car, making it less car-dependent than many spots. It's perfect if you prefer the train to the M50 crawl.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
Ethnicity
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
36.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Baldoyle's Irish name Baile Dúill translates to 'town of the flood' or 'Doyle's townland,' hinting at its historic vulnerability to coastal flooding from the nearby Irish Sea and its roots as a modest settlement named after an early landowner. This nod to its fishing village past and dynamic landscape adds a layer of rugged coastal heritage to its modern charm.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
73.5%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
9.3%
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
Mostly owner-occupied at 73.5% with low private renting at 12.6%, the housing leans towards family homes and suburban houses, with only 12.5% flats, giving it a settled, spacious feel amid ongoing developments like The Coast.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
83.3%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
12.4%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Baldoyle vs National (%)
Baldoyle
National
An impressive 83.3% report good or very good health—slightly edging the national average—reflecting a healthy, outdoorsy lifestyle boosted by sea air, walks along the coast, and that community wellness vibe.