Ballinalack is a quaint little village in County Westmeath, nestled on the banks of the River Inny with its charming five-arched bridge, just 16km northwest of Mullingar along the N4 to Longford. This peaceful rural spot spans about 151 acres in the townland of the same name, known locally for its tight-knit community of families and retirees who cherish the quiet countryside life amid farmland and nearby zinc exploration sites. It's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbours, and the slow pace lets you truly unwind.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
161
Census 2022
Owner occupied
77.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
14.0
National avg: 54.1
With just 161 residents, Ballinalack feels like a cozy, stable community where over three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied—well above the national average—suggesting long-term families putting down roots. The impressively low crime rate of 14 per 1,000 paints a picture of an exceptionally safe haven compared to the national 54.1.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballinalack vs national average (%)
Ballinalack
National
The age profile shows a balanced, family-friendly vibe with 18.6% under 14 and 13.7% over 65, closely mirroring national averages for a lively yet mature community.
Under 14
18.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
44.1% / 55.9%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
vs national average
At work
Here
56.5%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
13.7%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
9.9%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
9.9%
National
6.6%
Economically, it's a working village where 56.5% are employed—right on par with the country—though retirement at 13.7% is a touch lower, hinting at active locals keeping the heart of the place beating.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
35.4%
National
39.2%
A solid 35.4% have third-level education, just shy of the national 39.2%, pointing to a well-informed community that's capable and engaged without being overly academic.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
14.0
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
74% below national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
15.8
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Lower than average crime: The Ballynacargy Garda subdistrict, which covers Ballinalack, records a crime rate of 14.0 per 1,000 — 74% below the national average of 54.06.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Ballynacargy Garda subdistrict (population 3,000), which covers Ballinalack and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
How people travel to work
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
2.7%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
0.0%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
83.8%
National
62.4%
This is very much a car-dependent area, with 83.8% driving to work—far higher than the national 62.4%—and no one using public transport, plus only 4.8% without a car. Work-from-home is low at 2.7%, so most folks are hopping in their vehicles for the daily commute.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
Ethnicity
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
90.1%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
89.4%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
73.9%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
16.1%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.5%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
—%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
33.5%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.0%
National
4.1%
The name Ballinalack comes from the Irish Béal Átha na Leac, meaning 'mouth of the ford of the flagstones,' evoking its history as a key crossing point on the River Inny where flat stones aided passage. This nods to the area's ancient riverside heritage, tying into the landscape of waterways and stone bridges that define Westmeath's gentle countryside.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
77.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
12.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
6.5%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
40.3%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
37.1%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
98.4%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
1.6%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
4.8%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
41.9%
National
41.5%
Homes here are predominantly owner-occupied at 77.4% versus 12.9% renting, with mostly houses rather than the national share of flats or apartments (just 1.6%), creating a settled, family-oriented housing scene.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
90.7%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
8.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.6%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballinalack vs National (%)
Ballinalack
National
Folks in Ballinalack enjoy excellent health, with 90.7% reporting good or very good—beating the national 82.9%—likely thanks to the fresh rural air and active lifestyles.

Other areas in Westmeath

AthloneBallymoreBallynacargyBaylinCastlepollardCastletown GeogheganClonmellonCollinstownDelvinGlassanKilbegganKillucan-rathwireKinnegadMoateMullingarMultyfarnhamRaharneyRathowenRochfortbridgeTyrrellspass