Skerries is a charming historic fishing port on a peninsula about 15 miles north of Dublin, known for its stunning Irish Sea views, offshore islands perfect for birdwatching, and a relaxed seaside vibe that draws families and nature lovers. With iconic Skerries Mills still grinding flour, quirky independent shops, cafes, and events like the Soundwave Festival and motorbike races, it feels like a welcoming coastal gem where community spirit shines through. Home to a mix of professionals commuting to Dublin, retirees enjoying the pace, and young families, it's got that perfect blend of village cosiness and subtle vibrancy.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
10,743
Census 2022
Owner occupied
78.9%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
27.6
National avg: 54.1
With a population of around 10,743, Skerries is a thriving yet manageable coastal town where nearly 79% of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national 66%—signalling strong community roots and stability. The low crime rate of just 27.6 per 1,000 compared to the national 54.1 makes it one of the safest spots in Ireland, ideal for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Skerries vs national average (%)
Skerries
National
A slightly higher proportion of under-14s at 21.7% and over-65s at 15.5% paints a picture of a family-friendly community with plenty of kids' energy balanced by wise retirees contributing to a warm, intergenerational feel.
Under 14
21.7%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.5%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.3% / 51.7%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Slightly more people are at work here at 56.2% with a notable 18.8% retired, and the high 17.9% working from home rate shows a modern, flexible economy boosted by Dublin's proximity.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Over half the population at 52.9% holds third-level qualifications—higher than the national 39.2%—suggesting a well-educated, professional crowd that values learning and likely fuels the town's creative cafes and local arts scene.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
27.6
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
49% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
28.4
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Skerries Garda subdistrict, which covers Skerries, records a crime rate of 27.6 per 1,000 — 49% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Skerries Garda subdistrict (population 10,911), which covers Skerries and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
How people travel to work
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While over half drive to work at 51.7%, Skerries punches above its weight with 20.3% using public transport—nearly three times the national average—and fewer households without a car at 9.4%, making it less car-dependent than many spots. This setup suits commuters heading to Dublin easily by bus or train.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
Ethnicity
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
45.8%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.9%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Skerries' comes from the Irish 'Na Sceirí', meaning 'the rocks' or 'reefs', nodding to the cluster of small rocky islands just offshore that have shaped its fishing history since medieval times. This rocky landscape not only defines the dramatic coastline but hints at centuries of seafaring resilience, from Viking raids to 18th-century mills harnessing the winds.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
78.9%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
10.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
6.7%
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
High homeownership at 78.9% dominates, with low private renting at 10.6% and just 9.5% in flats or apartments, pointing to a neighbourhood of mostly family homes and bungalows where people put down roots.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
88.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.6%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.5%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
11.2%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Skerries vs National (%)
Skerries
National
An impressive 88.6% report good or very good health—above the national 82.9%—reflecting an active lifestyle with beach walks, golf, and fresh sea air keeping folks fit and happy.