Naul is a charming, small village tucked away on the northern edge of Fingal, right where Dublin meets Meath across the Delvin River, offering a peaceful rural escape with its crossroads of the R122 and R108 roads. It's got that close-knit community feel, home to families, workers, and retirees who cherish the quiet lanes, historic spots like Caddell's Folly, and the lively Séamus Ennis Arts Centre buzzing with Irish music sessions, singing nights, and even pop-up Gaeltachts. Known for its cliff-side perch and traditional vibe, it's perfect for those seeking authentic Irish village life just a short drive from Dublin.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
684
Census 2022
Owner occupied
80.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
63.1
National avg: 54.1
With a cozy population of just 684, Naul feels like a tight-knit rural gem where 80% of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national average—suggesting strong community roots and stability for families thinking of settling down. The crime rate sits a tad higher at 63.1 per 1,000 compared to the national 54.1, but in such a small place, it's often minor local matters that keep things feeling safe and familiar.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Naul vs national average (%)
Naul
National
Naul's younger skew, with 23% under 14 versus the national 20% and only 8% over 65, paints a picture of a vibrant, family-oriented community full of kids' laughter and active parents building their future here.
Under 14
23.2%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
8.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.5% / 52.5%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Folks here are productively employed at 66%—higher than average—with 15% working from home, pointing to a mix of local jobs, remote professionals, and a lower retirement rate that keeps the area energetic and self-reliant.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting 42% with third-level education—slightly edging the national 39%—Naul attracts thoughtful, skilled residents who value learning and likely contribute to its cultured scene at places like the Séamus Ennis Centre.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
63.1
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 Balbriggan Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000, broadly in line with the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Balbriggan Garda subdistrict (population 32,504), which covers Naul and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
How people travel to work
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent spot, with 78% driving to work and only 4% using public transport, reflecting its rural crossroads location where the R108 and R122 make road trips easy but buses are sparse. Low carlessness at 4% means everyone's got wheels for the short hop to Balbriggan or Dublin.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
Ethnicity
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
48.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.1%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Naul comes from the Irish 'An Aill', meaning 'The Cliff', nodding to its dramatic elevated position overlooking the Delvin River valley and hinting at a rugged, ancient landscape shaped by natural features. This Gaelic root underscores the area's deep historical ties to Ireland's pastoral heritage, even as modern Irish speakers are few.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
80.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
6.1%
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 80% with low renting at 12% and mostly houses over the 7% apartments, Naul offers spacious family homes in a stable, settled neighbourhood ideal for long-term roots.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
91.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.9%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
10.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Naul vs National (%)
Naul
National
Impressive 91% reporting good or very good health—way above the national 83%—highlights a healthy, outdoor-loving lifestyle boosted by fresh rural air, low density, and active community events.