Moate is a charming, compact market town in southwest Westmeath, home to around 3,000 friendly locals who cherish its rich history from Norman motte-and-bailey fortifications to Quaker heritage houses lining the bustling Main Street. It's known for its thriving cattle mart, scenic Old Rail Trail Greenway, and family-friendly spots like Dún na Sí Amenity Park with its heritage trails, pet farm, and playgrounds, all set amid beautiful boglands and proximity to the River Shannon. You'll find a close-knit community of families, farmers, and retirees who love the peaceful vibe just 12km from Athlone.
Overview
CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
3,013
Census 2022
Owner occupied
57.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
107.2
National avg: 54.1
With a population of 3,013, Moate feels like a welcoming small town where just over half of homes are owner-occupied, a bit below the national average, suggesting a mix of settled families and newcomers renting privately at 22.1%. The crime rate of 107.2 per 1,000 is higher than the national 54.1, but locals see it as typical petty issues in a rural hub rather than a major concern for everyday life.
Age Profile
CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Moate vs national average (%)
Moate
National
Moate's age profile shows a youthful community with 21.5% under 14, slightly above average, balanced by 15% over 65 matching national figures, creating a vibrant family-oriented atmosphere with plenty of kids playing and grandparents nearby.
Under 14
21.5%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
15.0%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
48.2% / 51.8%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%
Economic Status
CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
vs national average
At work
Retired
Student
Looking after home/family
The economic heartbeat is steady with 54.1% at work and 17.3% retired, reflecting a hardworking mix of local farmers, mart workers, and commuters in this cattle-rich area, though work-from-home at 8.2% lags behind national trends.
Third Level Education
CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
With 37.3% holding third-level education, just shy of the national 39.2%, Moate residents are well-educated and ambitious, likely drawing from nearby Athlone's colleges to support skilled jobs in agriculture, services, and beyond.
Crime & Safety
CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
107.2
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
98% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
87.0
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Moate Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 107.2 per 1,000 — 98% 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 Moate Garda subdistrict (population 3,815), which covers Moate and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.
Commuting
CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
How people travel to work
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
vs national average
Work from home
Public transport
Car / van
Moate is very much car-dependent, with 71.8% driving to work well above the national 62.4%, minimal public transport use at 1.6%, and 12% without a car—perfect if you love the freedom of the road but less ideal without wheels. The M6 motorway nearby makes zipping to Athlone or Galway a breeze.
Nationality & Ethnicity
CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
Ethnicity
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
White Irish ethnicity
Religion
CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
vs national average
Catholic
No religion
Irish Language
CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
33.6%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.3%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Daily outside school
The name 'Moate' comes from the Irish 'An Móta', meaning 'the motte', referring to the Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork fort still visible behind Main Street buildings, highlighting the town's medieval defensive past in this strategic landscape. It speaks to centuries of history shaping Moate from a fortified outpost to today's heritage gem.
Housing & Tenure
CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
57.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
22.1%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
13.1%
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
Housing leans towards family homes with 57.1% owner-occupied and 22.1% private renting, plus 12.2% in flats or apartments close to the national mix, offering solid options for buyers and renters alike in this stable market town.
Health
CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
77.6%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
9.1%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
1.8%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
13.6%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Moate vs National (%)
Moate
National
Good or very good health reported by 77.6% is a touch below the 82.9% national average, hinting at a healthy outdoor lifestyle tempered by rural living, but overall residents enjoy active days on greenways and golf courses.