Kinsealy-Drinan is a rapidly growing suburban area on Dublin's northside, about 13 km from the city centre near Swords, situated between the established suburbs of Balgriffin, Portmarnock and Malahide. It's a relatively young, family-oriented community that has expanded significantly since the 1990s, with modern housing estates like Holywell anchoring the eastern side of the area. The neighbourhood offers a blend of suburban convenience with good access to Dublin's amenities, and has developed its own commercial and recreational facilities including schools, shops and sports facilities.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
7,526
Census 2022
Owner occupied
62.0%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
20.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 7,526, Kinsealy-Drinan is a medium-sized suburban community that's notably safer than the national average, with a crime rate of just 20.7 per 1,000 compared to 54.1 nationally. The area shows strong owner-occupation at 62%, though it's slightly below the national average, while private renting is notably higher than the national norm at 25.5%, reflecting its appeal to younger professionals and families seeking modern housing.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Kinsealy-drinan vs national average (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
This is a distinctly young community, with over a quarter of residents under 14 years old (26.1% vs 19.7% nationally) and only 3.9% aged over 65, making it one of Ireland's most youth-focused neighbourhoods with a vibrant family demographic.
Under 14
26.1%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
3.9%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.7% / 51.3%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Kinsealy-Drinan has an exceptionally strong employment profile, with 72.1% of residents at work—well above the national average of 56.1%—and a notably low retirement rate of just 5.2%, indicating a predominantly working-age population with high economic participation.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
The area stands out for its highly educated population, with 46.7% having third-level education compared to the national average of 39.2%, suggesting a community of professionals and graduates.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
20.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
62% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
23.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Malahide Garda subdistrict, which covers Kinsealy-drinan, records a crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000 — 62% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Malahide Garda subdistrict (population 34,186), which covers Kinsealy-drinan and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
How people travel to work
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While the area remains car-dependent with 59.1% of workers driving (slightly below the national 62.4%), it benefits from better-than-average public transport access, with 15.0% using public transport to work versus 7.9% nationally. Dublin Bus routes 42, 42N and 43 serve the area, and the Go-Ahead route 102 connects to Dublin Airport, making it reasonably well-connected for commuters.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
Ethnicity
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
35.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Kinsealy-Drinan comes from the Irish 'Cionn Sáile–Draighneán', where 'Cionn Sáile' means 'head of the salt water' or 'head of the sea', reflecting the area's historical proximity to Dublin Bay and coastal geography. The name carries echoes of the area's ancient past as part of the barony of Coolock, though today it's known as a modern, forward-looking suburban community rather than for its Irish language heritage.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
62.0%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
25.5%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
7.9%
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
The housing stock is predominantly houses rather than apartments (10.9% flats/apartments), with a healthy mix of owner-occupied and private rental properties reflecting the area's appeal to both families and young professionals seeking modern suburban living.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
85.9%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.2%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Kinsealy-drinan vs National (%)
Kinsealy-drinan
National
Residents report notably good health outcomes, with 85.9% in good or very good health compared to 82.9% nationally, and the area's young demographic and low crime rate suggest a safe, healthy community environment.