Baylin, or Bealin, is a peaceful little village in County Westmeath, just 5km east of Athlone, nestled in rolling countryside with a real sense of rural calm and community spirit. It's home to families, working professionals, and retirees who cherish its historic charm, like the striking Bealin High Cross—a medieval treasure on a hill in nearby Twyford demesne—and its proximity to the River Shannon's recreational spots. With undulating farmlands and easy access to Athlone's buzz, it's perfect for those seeking a quiet base with town conveniences nearby.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
284
Census 2022
Owner occupied
93.8%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
87.9
National avg: 54.1
Baylin's small population of 284 reflects a tight-knit rural village where nearly everyone owns their home at 93.8%—far above the national average—suggesting strong stability and roots. While the crime rate sits a bit higher at 87.9 per 1,000 compared to the national 54.1, the overwhelming homeownership and good health stats paint a picture of a safe, settled community worth considering.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Baylin vs national average (%)
Baylin
National
With fewer young children at 15.5% under 14 and 13.7% over 65, Baylin has a balanced, mature community vibe that's family-friendly without being overrun by school-age kids.
Under 14
15.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
13.7%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
49.6% / 50.4%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
A solid 60.8% are at work, slightly above average, with 15.4% retired and a notable 8.3% working from home, pointing to a stable, flexible local economy tied to nearby Athlone.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
At 41.7% with third-level education—just edging the national 39.2%—residents here are well-qualified, likely bringing professional skills that enhance the area's welcoming, capable feel.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
87.9
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
62% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
84.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Athlone Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 87.9 per 1,000 — 63% 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 Athlone Garda subdistrict (population 26,685), which covers Baylin and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
How people travel to work
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
This is very much a car-dependent spot, with 84% driving to work and only 2.1% using public transport, plus just 2.1% without a car—ideal if you love the independence of rural drives but close enough to Athlone for quick trips.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
Ethnicity
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
39.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.4%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
Baylin's Irish name, Béal Linne, translates to 'mouth of the pool' or 'entrance to the linn,' referring to a natural pool or deep pool in the landscape, hinting at its watery, fertile history in this lake-dotted Westmeath region. This evokes the area's ancient ties to rivers and early settlements, like the nearby ecclesiastical site Íseal Chiaráin.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
93.8%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
4.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
—%
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
Dominantly owner-occupied at 93.8% with minimal renting at 4.1%, and mostly houses over the 3.1% flats/apartments, Baylin offers a classic Irish village housing scene of family homes in a stable neighbourhood.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
90.5%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
7.0%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
0.7%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
9.9%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Baylin vs National (%)
Baylin
National
An impressive 90.5% report good or very good health—well above the national 82.9%—suggesting a healthy, active lifestyle boosted by fresh countryside air and low-stress living.