Tallaght is a vibrant, bustling mini-city on Dublin's southside, home to around 81,000 people and known for its major hubs like The Square shopping centre, Tallaght Hospital, Technological University Dublin campus, and Shamrock Rovers' Tallaght Stadium. It's a diverse, family-oriented place with a mix of modern estates, the historic old village around the priory, and ongoing town centre regeneration that brings lively retail, civic offices, and green spaces. You'll find a real community spirit here, with young families, students, and workers creating a dynamic, multicultural feel that's conveniently connected to Dublin city.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
81,022
Census 2022
Owner occupied
53.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 81,022, Tallaght feels like a thriving standalone town rather than just a suburb, boasting solid home ownership at 53.4% though slightly below the national average, alongside typical renting levels. The higher crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 suggests it's an area with some urban challenges, but ongoing local area plans are investing in regeneration to make it safer and more appealing for families and newcomers.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Tallaght vs national average (%)
Tallaght
National
Tallaght's younger skew, with 21.6% under 14 and 13.1% over 65, paints a picture of a lively family-focused community full of kids' energy and fewer retirees compared to the national average.
Under 14
21.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.1%
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
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Employment sits at a healthy 55% at work, close to the national figure, but lower work-from-home rates and a strong reliance on local jobs reflect Tallaght's role as an economic hub with institutions like TUD and council offices keeping things buzzing.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 26% trails the national 39.2%, hinting at a practical, working-class vibe where many prioritise trades or local apprenticeships over university, though the TUD campus is helping boost skills right on the doorstep.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
70.7
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
31% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
72.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Tallaght Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 70.7 per 1,000 — 31% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.
Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Tallaght Garda subdistrict (population 96,949), which covers Tallaght and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
How people travel to work
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Tallaght isn't overly car-dependent despite 56.5% driving to work, thanks to excellent public transport options like the Luas Red line stops near the hospital and The Square, plus frequent buses—public transport use at 16% doubles the national average, and only 18.1% have no car. It's a spot where you can easily hop on a tram to the city centre without needing wheels every day.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
Ethnicity
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
25.9%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.8%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
'Tallaght' comes from the Irish 'Támhacht' or 'Teampall Achadh', meaning 'plague pit' or 'church of the field', rooted in its ancient monastic history around St Maelruain's 8th-century priory in the old village. This nod to its pastoral origins contrasts beautifully with today's urban landscape, reminding us of the green fields and early Christian heritage that shaped this south Dublin gem.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
53.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
18.2%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
24.0%
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
A good mix of owner-occupied homes at 53.4% and private rentals at 18.2% caters to families buying semis and terraces alongside renters in the 20.2% flats and apartments, which are more common here than nationally for that urban edge.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
79.1%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.9%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
2.3%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
16.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Tallaght vs National (%)
Tallaght
National
Good or very good health reported by 79.1% is solid but a touch below average, suggesting a typically active lifestyle tempered by the realities of a busy suburban town with its share of urban living stresses.