Rathfarnham Village is a charming, mature suburb nestled in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains near the River Dodder, just six miles from the city centre, offering a peaceful village feel with local shops, butchers, cafes, and family-run businesses. It's known for its strong community spirit, historic gems like Rathfarnham Castle and the Pearse Museum, and abundant green spaces such as Marlay Park, St. Enda's Park, and easy access to mountain trails—perfect for families who love nature on their doorstep. Residents here enjoy a blend of suburban tranquility and convenience, with pubs like the Yellow House and Eden House adding a warm, social vibe.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,145
Census 2022
Owner occupied
75.3%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
With a cozy population of 3,145, Rathfarnham Village feels like a tight-knit community where a high home ownership rate of 75.3%—above the national average—signals stability and long-term residents who invest in their neighbourhood. The low crime rate of 34 per 1,000, well below the national 54.1, makes it an exceptionally safe spot, ideal for families seeking peace of mind.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Rathfarnham Village vs national average (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
The age profile shows a balanced community with fewer young children at 16% under 14 but a higher proportion of 20.3% over 65, suggesting a mature, family-oriented area with plenty of grandparents and established households enjoying a settled lifestyle.
Under 14
16.0%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
20.3%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.4% / 52.6%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Economically vibrant with 58.5% at work and a notable 16.9% working from home—higher than national averages—this is a professional neighbourhood where residents balance careers with flexibility, complemented by 21.4% retirees contributing to the community's relaxed pace.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Boasting an impressive 69.7% with third-level education—nearly double the national 39.2%—Rathfarnham attracts well-educated professionals and families, fostering a cultured, ambitious environment with top schools nearby.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
34.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
37% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
37.6
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict, which covers Rathfarnham Village, records a crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 — 37% below the national average of 54.06.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Rathfarnham Garda subdistrict (population 55,667), which covers Rathfarnham Village and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
How people travel to work
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
While 48.6% drive to work, it's lower than the national 62.4%, and with 14.4% using public transport—almost double the average—plus a low 10.1% without cars, the area is well-connected by buses like the 15B, 16, and 17 straight to the city, and the Dundrum Luas just 20 minutes away, making it less car-dependent than many suburbs. Handy M50 access helps too.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
Ethnicity
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
49.2%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
1.6%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name Rathfarnham derives from the Irish Ráth Fearnáin, meaning 'the fort of Fearnan' or sometimes 'the fort of the alders,' referencing an ancient ringfort and the alder trees along the nearby River Dodder. This nods to its deep historical roots as a defended settlement in a lush, watery landscape, tying into the area's enduring appeal with castles and green parks today.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
75.3%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
20.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
1.0%
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 75.3% with 20.6% private renting and 23.9% in flats or apartments—higher than average—this mix supports stable families in houses alongside options for younger renters in a desirable, residential village setting.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
91.2%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
6.5%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Rathfarnham Village vs National (%)
Rathfarnham Village
National
Exceptional 91.2% reporting good or very good health—above the national 82.9%—reflects a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by parks, riverside walks, and mountain access that encourage outdoor living.