Blanchardstown is a bustling outer suburb of Dublin in Fingal, just 10km northwest of the city centre, transformed from a quiet village into a vibrant 'city-in-a-city' since the 1960s, complete with the massive Blanchardstown Centre shopping hub, cinemas, and dining spots that draw crowds from all over. It's home to families, young professionals, and a diverse mix of residents who enjoy easy access to Connolly Hospital, IT Blanchardstown, the Draíocht arts centre, and green spaces like nearby parks, giving it a lively yet community-focused feel with everything you need right on your doorstep.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
79,531
Census 2022
Owner occupied
59.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
64.1
National avg: 54.1
With a population of nearly 80,000, Blanchardstown is a substantial, fast-growing suburb offering a real sense of community and convenience. Home ownership sits comfortably at 59%, a bit below the national average, while renting is more common here at 23%—pointing to a dynamic mix of established families and newcomers—though the crime rate of 64 per 1,000 is slightly higher than average, so it's wise to check local spots.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Blanchardstown vs national average (%)
Blanchardstown
National
The youthful vibe shines through with 23% under 14 (above the national 20%) and just 9% over 65 (well below average), making it a family-friendly spot buzzing with kids, schools, and play areas.
Under 14
22.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
9.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.4% / 50.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
This is a hardworking area where 60% are employed (higher than the national 56%), with a lower retirement rate of 10%, showing a productive community of active professionals and fewer empty-nesters.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 38% with third-level education—just shy of the national 39%—residents are well-qualified, supporting a skilled workforce drawn to local tech and education hubs like IT Blanchardstown.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
64.1
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
Near the national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
63.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Crime & safety: The Blanchardstown Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 64.1 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Blanchardstown Garda subdistrict (population 114,642), which covers Blanchardstown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
How people travel to work
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Driving is king at 56% (close to national norms), but public transport use is impressively high at 17% versus the country's 8%, thanks to solid bus links, meaning it's less car-dependent than many suburbs and handy for city commuters. Only 11% have no car, better than average.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
Ethnicity
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
30.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Blanchardstown' comes from the Irish Baile Bhlainséir, meaning 'town of the white stream' or 'townland of the whitethorn,' hinting at its rural past with clear waters or blooming hawthorn hedges along streams before it grew into today's busy suburb. This nod to nature reflects the area's historical village roots by the River Liffey, even as it's now a modern hub.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
59.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
22.7%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
12.6%
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
You'll find a good blend of owner-occupied homes at 59% alongside 23% private rentals, with more flats and apartments at 16% than the national 13%, catering to first-time buyers, families in houses, and renters seeking modern apartments near shops.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
81.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.8%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.0%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Blanchardstown vs National (%)
Blanchardstown
National
Folks here report good or very good health at 82%, matching national levels closely, suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by local leisure centres, sports clubs, and parks.