Garristown is a charming, small village nestled in the hilly landscape of north Fingal, just 18km north of Swords, offering stunning panoramic views from the Mourne Mountains to the Wicklows that make it a photographer's dream. With a tight-knit community of around 600 residents, it's known for its vibrant GAA club with top-notch facilities, historic sites like the 1736 windmill base surrounded by an ancient hillfort, and family-friendly spots like Puddenhill adventure centre. Locals enjoy a peaceful rural vibe with essential amenities—a pub, shop, school, community centre, and church—making it feel like a welcoming home base for families and those seeking countryside charm close to Dublin.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
619
Census 2022
Owner occupied
54.2%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
21.8
National avg: 54.1
Garristown's modest population of 619 creates an intimate, close-knit village atmosphere, while the lower-than-average home ownership at 54.2% suggests a mix of established families and some newer residents. The impressively low crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000—less than half the national average—points to a safe, serene spot perfect for peaceful living.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Garristown vs national average (%)
Garristown
National
With 22.8% under 14 and just 9% over 65, Garristown buzzes with young families and an active working-age majority, fostering a lively, family-oriented community full of energy.
Under 14
22.8%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
9.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.9% / 50.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A strong 59.6% employment rate tops the national average, with many working from home or driving to jobs, reflecting a stable economy tied to the local agricultural hinterland and commuter lifestyles.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 32.6% with third-level education, residents are well-educated, suggesting a community that values learning and likely supports its primary school and local groups thoughtfully.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
21.8
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
60% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
21.3
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Garristown Garda subdistrict, which covers Garristown, records a crime rate of 21.8 per 1,000 — 60% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Garristown Garda subdistrict (population 5,193), which covers Garristown and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
How people travel to work
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Most folks—63%—drive to work much like the national norm, but Garristown stands out with 19.4% using public transport, well above average, showing decent bus links despite its rural feel. Only 3% have no car, so while car-dependent, it's not isolated.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
Ethnicity
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
35.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Garristown' comes from the Irish Baile Gháire, meaning 'town of the garden' or 'townland of O'Gara,' evoking its fertile, garden-like hills that have drawn settlers for centuries. This ties into the area's ancient hillfort, mythically linked to a princess who chose the spot for its views over sacred sites like the Hill of Tara, underscoring Garristown's deep-rooted historical and scenic heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
54.2%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
7.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
33.9%
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
Homes are predominantly owner-occupied at 54.2% with minimal private renting at 7.1%, and scarcely any flats at 1.2%, painting a picture of spacious family houses blending into the countryside.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.0%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
17.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Garristown vs National (%)
Garristown
National
Exceptional 88.7% reporting good or very good health beats the national average, hinting at a healthy, outdoor lifestyle amid the fresh hill air and active community pursuits.