Living in Dunboyne, Co. Meath: Schools, Commute & House Prices 2026
On this page
- Who lives in Dunboyne
- Commuting to Dublin
- Getting around Dunboyne
- Commute to Dublin from Dunboyne
- Schools in Dunboyne
- Things to do in and around Dunboyne
- Where Dunboyne is
- What it costs: house prices and rent in Dunboyne
- Before you move: planning and flood
- Recent development in Dunboyne
- Flood maps
- County context
- Common questions about living in Dunboyne
- Nearby Meath towns
- Population and demographics
Is Dunboyne a nice place to live?
Dunboyne is home to about 2,238 households, 74% owner-occupied and 22% renting, according to Census 2022. The median sale price over the last 12 months was €580,000, versus €450,000 across the Mid-East region, and the average rent reported by the RTB is €1,934 a month. The Department of Education dataset lists 5 schools keyed to the town (4 primary, 1 post-primary), and there are 44 visitor attractions within 10 km. The nearest rail station is Dunboyne, 0.8 km away, and 11 bus and rail routes serve the town. The sections below break each of these down.
Dunboyne is a town in Co. Meath, about 25 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 5 schools, 74.5% of households own their home. Living here costs a median €580,000 to buy or €1,934 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025) (a 4.0% gross yield).
Official CSO, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, PPR & RTB data · 105 sales · PPR sales to Sep 2026 · CSO benchmark to Jul 2026 · rents Q4 2025 (RTB)
Who lives in Dunboyne: 74.5% own their home, full Census breakdown
Who lives in Dunboyne
7,155 people live in Dunboyne on Census 2022 night. 74% of households own their home and 22% rent, so Dunboyne leans towards owner occupiers. The most common way to commute is by car (56%). It skews young: 21% are under 15 against 10% aged 65 and over. 50% of those who have finished education hold a third level qualification.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 7,155 |
| Owner-occupied households | 74% |
| Rented households | 22% |
| Aged under 15 | 21% |
| Aged 25 to 44 | 26% |
| Aged 65 and over | 10% |
| Third level or higher | 50% |
| At work (aged 15+) | 61% |
| Unemployment rate | 3% |
| Commute by car | 56% |
| Commute by public transport | 13% |
| Commute on foot or bike | 27% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 Small Area Population Statistics for the Dunboyne built-up area, CC-BY 4.0.
Commuting to Dublin
Nearest train station: Dunboyne (in the town), on the Maynooth line
Public transport serving Dunboyne: Rail + bus
Getting around Dunboyne
Dunboyne is served by 6 public-transport operators running 11 scheduled routes. Operators are Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail, McCaffrey Coaches and Nitelink, Dublin Bus.
| Operator | Mode |
|---|---|
| Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus | Bus / coach |
| Bus Éireann | Bus / coach |
| Go-Ahead Ireland | Bus / coach |
| Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail | Rail |
| McCaffrey Coaches | Bus / coach |
| Nitelink, Dublin Bus | Bus / coach |
Scheduled routes
- 70 - Dunboyne - Burlington Rd
- 105 - Blanchardstown - Ashbourne - Ashbourne - Drogheda
- 109 - Dublin - Navan - Kells - Cavan
- 111 - Wilton Tce - Trim - Granard - Cavan
- 270 - Dunboyne - Blanchardstown
- 70n - Westmoreland Street - Tyrrelstown
- 105X - UCD - M3 - Ratoath - Ashbourne
- 109B - Dublin - Dunshaughlin - Trim
- DY01 - Kells - Dunboyne
- DY02 - Enfield - Dunboyne
- rail - Dublin - Maynooth
Source: Transport for Ireland GTFS_All feed (NTA), CC-BY 4.0. Stops matched to the town within a 6 km radius; route list capped.
Commute to Dublin from Dunboyne
Driving from Dunboyne to Dublin city centre takes about 25 minutes by car on a clear run. That makes it the closest to Dublin of the 4 Meath towns we have routed by road.
| Town | Drive to Dublin |
|---|---|
| Dunboyne, Meath This town | 25 min |
| Leixlip, Kildare Closest routed town | 22 min |
| Wexford, Wexford Farthest routed town | 106 min |
Door-to-centre driving time routed on OpenStreetMap road data via OSRM, no live traffic. Comparison is against the Leinster commuter towns routed so far. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Schools in Dunboyne
There are 4 primary and 1 post-primary schools in and around Dunboyne.
| School | Level | Pupils | DEIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Peter'S College | Post-primary | 1227 | |
| Dunboyne Senior N S | Primary | 470 | |
| Dunboyne Junior N S | Primary | 397 | |
| Gaelscoil Thulach Na Nóg | Primary | 360 | |
| St Peters National School | Primary | 97 |
Source: Department of Education, Data on Individual Schools. CC-BY 4.0.
Things to do in and around Dunboyne
- Heritage nearby: Maynooth Castle (9 km) · Kilmainham Gaol (14 km) · St. Audoens Church, Dublin City (16 km) · St. Mary's Abbey Abbey, Dublin City (16 km)
- Walking trails in County Meath: Royal Canal Way · Royal Canal Greenway Walking Trail · Drewstown Woods - Girley Bog walk · Littlewood - Forest Walk
Full guide: things to do in Dunboyne →
Where Dunboyne is
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
What it costs: house prices and rent in Dunboyne
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price (12 mo) | €580,000 (+19.6% YoY) |
| Average monthly rent (Q4 2025) | €1,934 |
| Gross rental yield | 4.0% |
| Net yield (est.) | 3.1% |
| Meath county median | €450k |
| New build / second-hand | €589,999 / €552,500 |
What this means: New builds in Dunboyne sell at about a 7% premium to second-hand homes (€589,999 vs €552,500).
Recent sales in Dunboyne
| Date | Address | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Sep 26 | 7 Summer Court, Dunboyne | New | €519,823 |
| 03 Sep 26 | 1 Summer Court, Dunboyne | New | €524,229 |
| 01 Sep 26 | 10 RIVER COURT, ROOSKE RD, DUNBOYNE | Second-hand | €321,000 |
| 31 Aug 26 | 10 THE VIEW, DUNBOYNE CASTLE, DUNBOYNE | Second-hand | €750,000 |
| 28 Aug 26 | 18 Oakfield Lawn, Oakfield, Dunboyne | New | €546,256 |
| 27 Aug 26 | 36 Oakfield Drive, Oakfield, Dunboyne | New | €616,740 |
| 27 Aug 26 | PINECREST, FAIRYHOUSE RD, DUNBOYNE | Second-hand | €670,000 |
| 25 Aug 26 | 25 Oakfield Lawn, Oakfield, Dunboyne | New | €555,066 |
Actual sale prices from the Property Price Register, verifiable at propertypriceregister.ie.
Dunboyne median price, year by year
| Year | Median | Relative | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | €425,000 | 96 sales | |
| 2024 | €400,000 | 80 sales | |
| 2025 | €500,000 | 105 sales | |
| 2026 | €589,999 | 68 sales |
Maximum legal rent increase in Dunboyne
Since 1 March 2026 a rent review is capped at the lower of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation.
The full March 2026 rent review rules
Dunboyne compared with County Meath
| County | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| Dunboyne | 580000 | |
| County Meath median | 450000 |
Rent or buy in Dunboyne?
At a glance: €580,000 to buy versus €1,934 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 4.0% gross yield.
Local Property Tax in Dunboyne
The median home (€580,000) falls in LPT Band 5, a base charge of €523 a year before Meath County Council's local adjustment factor. Use the calculator for your exact valuation.
Renting in Dunboyne: the March 2026 rent rules
Every rent increase is now capped at the lesser of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation, nationwide since 1 March 2026. A review needs 90 days' notice on the RTB form, no more than one in any 12 months, and the notice must cite three comparable homes from the RTB Rent Register. Check any rent increase against the legal cap, or see average rents for every Leinster town.
Before you move: planning and flood
Recent development in Dunboyne
In the 12 months to September 2026, 53 planning grants were recorded in and around Dunboyne, including 927 new homes approved across those grants.
| Decided | Development | Homes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-14 | Permission for the following Large-Scale Residential Development consisting of: 1) the demolition of 2 no. existing agricultural farm sheds and... | 356 |
| 2026-06-18 | a Large-Scale Residential Development - Apply for Permission for a period of 8 Years for a Large-Scale Residential Development at a site (c. 7.93 Ha)... | 314 |
| 2025-10-07 | Permission for a Large-Scale Residential Development - the development will comprise amendments to the permitted development as per Large-scale... | 211 |
| 2025-11-19 | Proposed Change Of House Design On Site No.’s 7 & 8 Of A Residential Development Previously Granted Full Planning Permission Under Planning Reference... | 8 |
| 2025-12-03 | the development will consist of modifications to the development permitted under Reg. Ref. 23/580 known as Rooske Gardens. It is proposed to change 1... | 8 |
Source: Irish Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (ArcGIS, CC-BY 4.0). Granted applications keyed to the nearest town within 7 km. Homes column shows residential units in the application where recorded.
What this means: The 927 homes approved here in the last year are about 41% of Dunboyne's roughly 2,238 households, a supply pipeline that typically eases price pressure.
Flood maps
For the modelled fluvial, coastal and pluvial flood extents around Dunboyne, open the official OPW flood maps, the authoritative source for Dunboyne, Meath.
View the official OPW flood maps for Dunboyne →
Source: Office of Public Works, floodinfo.ie. No OPW flood-extent values are reproduced here.
County context
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022 Census) | 220,826 |
| Population change 2016 to 2022 | +13.2% |
| Disposable income per person (index, State = 100) | 98.4 |
| New dwelling permissions (Mid-East region, 2017) | 657 thousand m² |
Planning permissions are reported at NUTS3 region level; counties in this region share a figure.
Sources: CSO F1001, CIA02, BHQ09. CC-BY 4.0.
Nearby Meath towns
Ashbourne · Dunshaughlin · Ratoath · Clonee · Stamullen · Trim
All Meath house prices · All Leinster house prices · Things to do in Dunboyne
Sources: CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, Property Price Register (PSRA), CSO RPPI, RTB via CSO. CC-BY. Figures verifiable at the official source.
Common questions about living in Dunboyne
What's it like to live in Dunboyne?
Dunboyne is a town in Co. Meath, about 25 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 5 schools, 74.5% of households own their home (CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland).
How much does it cost to live in Dunboyne?
A home in Dunboyne costs a median €580,000 to buy or €1,934 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 4.0% gross yield (Property Price Register, RTB via CSO).
How long is the commute from Dunboyne to Dublin?
About 25 minutes to Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line (OpenStreetMap routing).
What schools are in Dunboyne?
Schools in Dunboyne include St Peter'S College, Dunboyne Senior N S, Dunboyne Junior N S, Gaelscoil Thulach Na Nóg, among 4 primary and 1 post-primary in total (Department of Education, 2024/25).
What is the population of Dunboyne?
Dunboyne had a population of 7,155 at the 2022 Census (CSO).
Population and demographics
Dunboyne had a population of 7,155 at the 2022 Census.
| Population (2022 Census) | 7,155 |
|---|---|
| Households | 2,238 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 74% |
| Rented homes | 22% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 (CC BY 4.0). Household tenure from the same release.
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Each point is the median of that calendar year's open-market sales on the Property Price Register. 2026 is a part year, covering the 68 sales recorded to July 2026. Over the 12 months to 25 September 2026 the median was €580,000.
Could a home in Dunboyne pay as a buy-to-let?
Pre-filled with Dunboyne's median price and average rent (RTB Q4 2025). Change any figure and it recalculates instantly.
Illustrative. Assumes ~18% of rent for management, insurance and voids; 25-year mortgage on the borrowed share; ~4% acquisition costs. Not financial advice.
What can you afford to buy in Dunboyne?
Pre-filled with Dunboyne's median price. Adjust the income and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Assumes 4x gross income for a first-time buyer or 3.5x otherwise, plus your deposit, with no minimum deposit applied (the Central Bank's 10% floor can cap the price lower; the affordability calculator applies it), and a 3.7% rate over 30 years unless you change them.
Central Bank of Ireland mortgage measures (since Jan 2023): first-time buyers can borrow up to 4x gross income, movers and second or subsequent buyers up to 3.5x, both with a minimum 10% deposit. Figures are illustrative, not financial advice.
Stamp duty on a Dunboyne property
Pre-filled with Dunboyne's median price. Change the purchase price, tick new build if it applies, and see your stamp duty and total cost instantly.
Irish residential stamp duty (rates in force since 2 October 2024): 1% on the first €1,000,000; 2% from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000; 6% on any amount above €1,500,000. New builds: duty is charged on the price net of 13.5% VAT. Figures are illustrative, not legal or financial advice.
Local Property Tax for a Dunboyne home
Pre-filled with Dunboyne's median price. Uses the 2026 Revenue valuation bands (valuation date: 1 November 2025) and your local authority's 2026 adjustment factor.
Revenue LPT 2026-2030 band table and Local Adjustment Factors (source: revenue.ie). Each local authority can vary the base charge by up to 15%. Figures are illustrative; verify at Revenue's LPT service for your exact property.
Rent cap calculator for Dunboyne
Pre-filled with Dunboyne's average rent (RTB). From 1 March 2026 all private tenancies in Ireland are covered by national rent control: for a standard tenancy the annual increase is capped at 2% or CPI inflation, whichever is lower. This computes the 2% leg as an illustrative cap.
No figure for this tenancy type: it follows CPI with no 2% cap and this widget holds no CPI series. Use the official RTB Rent Calculator.
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025; national rent control from 1 March 2026 (source: rtb.ie). Illustrative, not legal advice: if CPI is below 2% the lawful ceiling is lower, and the RTB Rent Calculator at rtb.ie is the official tool.
What a month in Dunboyne costs
Real figures for Dunboyne: RTB average rent and an ownership estimate built on the median sale price. Adjust the mortgage rate and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Rent: RTB average monthly rents (RIQ02), Q4 2025. Ownership: repayment mortgage on Dunboyne's median Property Price Register sale price over 30 years, plus Revenue's 2026 LPT band charge divided by 12. Excludes utilities, insurance, management fees and council LPT adjustments. Illustrative, not financial advice.
More on Dunboyne
- Dunboyne house prices: median, year trend and the latest sales recorded on the Property Price Register.
- Things to do in Dunboyne: attractions, heritage sites and walks nearby.
- What's on in Co. Meath: festivals, markets and gigs, grouped by week and refreshed every Monday.
- Planning applications in Co. Meath: what has been lodged, granted and refused in the last 12 months.
Weighing it against somewhere else? See Dunboyne vs Ashbourne for a commuting buyer, side by side on price, rent, yield and rail access.