Ballynacargy, or Ballinacarrigy, is a charming small village in County Westmeath, nestled on the Royal Canal and R393 road, about 15km northwest of Mullingar, offering a peaceful rural escape with canal walks and a real community feel. It's home to families, retirees, and working folks who cherish the quiet countryside life, with local spots like Feerick's Hotel for a warm pint and the nearby greenway for leisurely strolls. Known for its historic canal heritage—last commercial navigation in 1955—it's a spot where everyone knows each other, perfect for those seeking authentic Irish village vibes.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
215
Census 2022
Owner occupied
31.4%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
14.0
National avg: 54.1
With just 215 residents, Ballynacargy is a tight-knit rural village where home ownership is lower than average at 31.4%, suggesting more renting and perhaps multi-generational living or newer arrivals, while the very low crime rate of 14 per 1,000 makes it one of the safest spots in Ireland, far below the national average of 54.1.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Ballynacargy vs national average (%)
Ballynacargy
National
A higher-than-average 23.3% under 14 and 15.8% over 65 paint a picture of a family-friendly community with plenty of kids playing around and retirees enjoying the calm pace.
Under 14
23.3%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.8%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
45.1% / 54.9%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
Just 43.6% are at work, with 14.5% retired and 7% working from home, pointing to a laid-back local economy likely tied to farming, small businesses, and some commuting to nearby towns.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Third-level education at 18.4% is below the national 39.2%, suggesting a practical, hands-on community where trades, farming skills, and local know-how are just as valued.
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 Ballynacargy, 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 Ballynacargy and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
How people travel to work
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent area, with 73.2% driving to work—higher than average—and no one using public transport, plus 19.8% without a car; limited buses to Mullingar on Fridays mean most folks rely on their own wheels for daily life.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
Ethnicity
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
24.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Ballynacargy comes from the Irish 'Baile na Carraige,' meaning 'town of the rock' or 'homestead of the rocky place,' hinting at the area's rugged landscape features like rocky outcrops amid the flat midlands. This name reflects its ancient roots as a settlement near natural rock formations, tying into Westmeath's historic townland heritage along the canal.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
31.4%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
20.9%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
41.9%
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
Owner-occupancy is low at 31.4% versus 20.9% private renting, with a mix of houses and 10.5% flats/apartments, offering affordable rental options in a mostly traditional rural housing setup.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
75.8%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
10.7%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
5.1%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
23.3%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Ballynacargy vs National (%)
Ballynacargy
National
75.8% report good or very good health, a touch below average, which fits the active rural lifestyle of canal walks and fresh air, though the slightly higher no-car households might limit some activities.